A St Helen’s charity worker has received an award for the wellbeing initiatives and community projects he creates for supported housing residents.
Andrew Noblett, a support worker and team leader for St Helen’s Supported Housing on Dorning Street, was named the Wellbeing Hero of the Year by Making Space, a national adult health and social care charity which employs over 1200 people across the UK.
He was recognised for the “great knowledge of the people he supports”, and the wide range of wellbeing initiatives he has instigated for residents in the St Helen’s Supported Housing services.
Andrew 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.
“When in lock down I wondered how this was going to affect people, and especially those who are enduring a mental health illness,” says Andrew. “So I researched the benefits of being around nature, and realised that escaping urban stimuli would have a great impact on a person’s mental health and well-being. That how the garden project was created.”
Andrew was nominated for the award by Kelly Nichols and Ross Wallace from Dunelm in St Helen’s, one of the organisations Andrew has forged partnerships with to create community schemes for residents.
“The support he offers his service users is second to none, and I’m proud that we have such a fabulous working partnership,” said Kelly.
“As a company, we care about the mental wellbeing of our colleagues,” added Ross. “Andy is happy to give advice and lend his support out of working hours to ensure we can continue to do this. Polite and professional, he’s a credit to Making Space.”
Over 250 people were nominated for the Making Space awards, with three individuals or teams shortlisted for each award. The judges – Jan Felton from Training Unlimited and Making Space head of quality Paula Spence – said Andrew’s initiatives had secured valuable funding for wellbeing projects for residents.
“Andrew has a great knowledge of the people he supports, and his achievements in fundraising for projects for residents to enjoy has been incredibly successful,” they said. “He’s been instrumental in seeking out partnerships with local businesses to create gardens and nature spaces, Christmas gift campaigns, healthy eating groups and many others.”
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.
