A 15-year-old charity volunteer from Darlington has received an award for her voluntary work in a supported housing scheme for people with extra care needs.
Chloe Liddle, 15 and from Cockerton, was named Volunteer of the Year by Making Space, a national adult health and social care charity which employs over 1200 people across the UK.
She was recognised for her voluntary work at Rosemary Court, which offers supported accommodation for people who need help with personal care, meal preparation, medication and social support.
Chloe was presented with a certificate and trophy by Andy Grant – a motivational speaker, Iraq and Afghanistan veteran and the world’s fastest single leg amputee in the world over 10KM – at an award ceremony at the Manchester Mercure Hotel.
“I still can’t believe I was put forward for an award and then won,” said Chloe. “It means the world to me.”
Chloe, who is studying Health and Social Care at Longfield Comprehensive, spends her spare time organising activities for residents at Rosemary Court, under the supervision of qualified support workers. She also helps out with group outings and walking the dogs of the residents.
Over 250 people were nominated for the Making Space awards, with three individuals or teams shortlisted for each award. The judges – Making Space trustee Ted McGuinness and chief people officer Phil Orton – praised Chloe for providing valuable help to both residents and support workers.
“Chloe has lots of enthusiasm, a natural talent for motivation, and shows a lot of initiative in the activities she organises,” Phil said. “She uses a wide range of activities to make sure there’s something to appeal to all residents, helps support workers during outdoor activities, and makes sure no-one is left out.
“The fact that Chloe does all this voluntarily in her spare time and fits it in around her school work is admirable.”
The inaugural Making Space Colleague Awards have been established to recognise and pay tribute to individuals and teams who inspire others, go above and beyond expectations and make a real difference to the lives of the people supported by Making Space.
