St Helens safeguarding professionals honoured at awards. 13 hrs ago Recipients of the 2026 Adult Safeguarding Awards with representatives from St Helens Borough Council and partner organisations (Image: St Helens Council) SAFEGUARDING professionals have been celebrated for their dedication to protecting vulnerable adults. The inaugural adult safeguarding awards, hosted by St Helens Borough Council and held at the BrewDog Stadium, honoured individuals and teams across health, social care, the voluntary sector and care providers who go above and beyond to protect residents and promote independence. Councillor Eileen Fleming, cabinet member for adult social care and health, said: "Every day, dedicated professionals make a real difference to the lives of residents and their families. "Their compassion, commitment and dedication often go unseen, yet the impact they have can be truly life-changing. "I would like to congratulate all the winners and nominees and thank them for their continued commitment to supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our communities." Marion Abbott of Red Robin Home Care received the Unsung Hero Award for more than 30 years of service, including 15 years with Red Robin, supporting adults with dignity and compassion. The Trauma-Informed Practice Award went to Jodie Rigby of Mersey Care for her sensitive support of individuals facing domestic abuse and complex safeguarding concerns. Shelley Dempsey and Beth Lake of Making Space Sherdley Court received the Dignity and Respect in Practice Award for empowering residents while maintaining their independence. The St Helens Homeless Health Team at Mersey Care was presented with the Safety Through Prevention Award for supporting people experiencing homelessness through strong partnership working. Alison Dillon of St Helens Borough Council won the Above and Beyond Award for her patient, practical support helping adults access vital services. Margaret McGing, also of the council, was given the Courage in Safeguarding Award for her fearless advocacy on behalf of residents. Novi Rodgers of Lumina Care received the Compassion in Practice Award, having been inspired to enter care after supporting his father. The Safeguarding Through Leadership and Influence Award was given to James Mawhinney of Change, Grow, Live (CGL) for his work addressing ketamine-related harms and improving multi-agency safeguarding. Kate Frodsham of Red Robin Home Care received the Safeguarding Through Professional Curiosity Award for her vigilance in identifying and reporting concerns. The Tenancy Sustainment Team at Torus was named Team of the Year for embedding safeguarding into all aspects of its work. The Chair's Award went to Glynis O'Brien of Safe2Speak for her more than 30 years of service supporting survivors of domestic abuse. Geoffrey Appleton, independent chair of the Adult Safeguarding Board for the local authority area, said: "These awards recognise the incredible dedication, professionalism and compassion shown every day by those working across adult social care, health and partner organisations in St Helens Borough. "It has been inspiring to hear the stories behind the nominations and to celebrate the positive difference that these professionals make."

Making Space CEO shortlisted for Social Care Top 30 award. Warrington-based national social care charity Making Space is celebrating after its Chief Executive, Rachel Peacock, was once again named a finalist in the prestigious Social Care Top 30 for 2026. The recognition follows Rachel's success in 2025, when she was voted fourth overall, placing her among some of the most inspiring and influential leaders in the social care sector. The Social Care Top 30 celebrates exceptional individuals whose leadership, innovation and dedication are making a lasting impact across social care, recognising those helping to shape the future of the sector and improve outcomes for people and communities. Voting for this year's Social Care Top 30 and runs until 1 October, giving people across Warrington and beyond the opportunity to show their support for Rachel. The Top 10 finalists and overall Social Care Top 30 winner will be announced at an awards dinner at the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square on Tuesday 13 October 2026. Rachel joined Making Space in 2013 as Executive Director of Development, becoming Chief Executive Officer in 2017. She has 30 years of voluntary and community sector experience spanning community development, grant-making, commissioning, service management and business development. Passionate about education and lifelong learning, Rachel champions innovation in social care and new ways of working that improve outcomes for people and communities. She is particularly committed to co-production and collaboration, ensuring people who draw on support help shape meaningful, sustainable solutions. Increasingly, Rachel is also championing the importance of moving beyond inclusion to create environments and communities where people feel they truly belong. Speaking about being named a finalist, Rachel said: "I'm incredibly proud to be named a finalist in the Social Care Top 30 for 2026. Social care is the best profession in the world - it's about creating environments where people don't just feel included, but feel they truly belong. "Fairness, collaboration and co-production continue to guide my leadership, and this recognition reflects the incredible colleagues and people I have the privilege of working alongside every day. I want us to create places where everyone feels valued, heard and able to be themselves, because true inclusion is about more than being welcomed - it's about belonging." Making Space is headquartered in Warrington and delivers social care services across England, supporting people with a wide range of care and support needs, as well as unpaid carers. Following Rachel's fourth-place finish last year, colleagues and supporters across Making Space will once again be getting behind her as voting opens for the 2026 awards. Voting is open until 1 October 2026 at www.socialcaretop30.co.uk/poll/the-social-care-top-30-2026/. The Top 10 and overall winner will be announced on 13 October.