A 15-year-old Cockerton schoolgirl who received an award from a national charity for her voluntary work has been shortlisted for two more prestigious accolades.
Chloe Liddle was named Volunteer of the Year by Making Space in October, and has now been told she’s in the running to pick up two more awards: Inspirational Volunteer at the national Women Achieving Greatness in Social Care Awards (WAGS), and Care Home Activity Organiser at the North East Great British Care Awards.
The Inspirational Volunteer category “celebrates inspirational women for their impactful volunteer work in the sector, either at grassroots or a national level.” Chloe will find out if she’s the overall winner of the award at a celebrity-hosted black tie gala reception in London in November.
The Great British Care Awards Care Home Activity Organiser award is given to someone who shows “exceptional skills, creativity and responsibilities in arranging activities either alone or in conjunction with a senior.”
Chloe has been shortlisted for the North East region, and if she takes home the trophy from the ceremony at the Grand Hotel Gosforth Park in Newcastle in November, she’ll go on to the national final in March 2023.
“I love helping in Rosemary Court alongside the residents and staff,” says Chloe. “I still can’t believe how lucky I am to be nominated again for another award and I’m really looking forward to the award evening.”
Chloe, who is studying Health and Social Care at Longfield Comprehensive, has been recognised for her voluntary work at Rosemary Court on Blackton Grove. She spends her spare time organising activities for the tenants, who need help with personal care, meal preparation, medication and social support. She also helps out with group outings and walking the dogs of the residents.
Phil Orton is the chief people officer at Making Space, a national adult health and social care charity. “Chloe has been shortlisted for an award in the face of very strong competition from trained activities organisers,” he says. “The fact that the judges have recognised her commitment is testament to the skills and dedication of both Chloe and all the qualified support workers at Rosemary Court who oversee her voluntary work.
“To also be singled out for a national award aimed at inspirational women, at just 15, illustrates the amazing potential she has. Chloe has told us that she wants to pursue a career in care, and as someone who also began as a teenage volunteer, I support her wholeheartedly. Everyone at Making Space wishes her the very best of luck with both of these awards.”
The WAGS recognise accomplishments at all levels of leadership and from across the whole of the social care sector, including services for older people, people with learning disabilities or autism, and children, young people and families.
The Great British Care Awards are a series of regional events throughout the UK and are a celebration of excellence across the care sector. They pay tribute to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence within their field of work, from frontline staff such as care workers and care managers to people who have made an impact in other ways such as training and innovation.
