By KLTV Newsdesk –

Making Space Team Leader recognised for outstanding compassion and dedication in social care

A Holmfirth care leader has been recognised on the national stage after receiving a prestigious award celebrating kindness, compassion and excellence in social care.

Elisa Rice, Team Leader at the Huddersfield Road Young Person Service in Holmfirth for national social care charity Making Space, was presented with the Jordan Carrington Kind Hearted Award at the organisation’s annual Colleague Awards, held at The Queens Hotel in Leeds on Friday 10 July.

Recognition for exceptional compassion

Introduced in 2024 in memory of much-loved Making Space colleague Jordan Carrington, the award recognises individuals who consistently demonstrate exceptional kindness, compassion and care for others.

This year’s awards attracted more than 250 nominations from across the organisation, which employs more than 1,000 colleagues and is supported by over 100 volunteers.

The awards celebrate individuals and teams who go above and beyond to make a positive difference to the lives of those they support.

Elisa was recognised for her unwavering belief in others, always seeing the potential in every young person and colleague, while helping them build confidence, hope and resilience.

Supporting young people to thrive

Elisa joined the Huddersfield Road Young Person Service as a Support Worker before progressing to Team Leader, playing a key role in developing the service since it opened in 2021.

The Holmfirth-based service supports young people aged between 18 and 25 with a range of needs, including learning disabilities, autism, mental health challenges and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

It provides person-centred support to help individuals develop confidence, gain independence and achieve their personal goals in a safe and supportive environment.

Under Elisa’s leadership, the service has become firmly established within the local community and secured a five-year contract extension from commissioners in 2025.

She is also recognised for creating an inclusive environment where young people feel listened to, respected and empowered, while encouraging co-production and supporting colleagues through mentoring, training and professional development.

‘This recognition means a great deal to me’

Speaking after receiving the award, Elisa said: “I’m truly honoured and grateful to receive the Award. This recognition means a great deal to me both personally and professionally.

“I am truly grateful to be part of such a supportive and caring organisation that places the people who draw on our support at the centre of all we do.

“This award inspires me to continue in my role treating others with kindness, compassion and respect.”

Tributes from colleagues

Jenny MacLeod, Regional Head of Operations at Making Space, praised Elisa’s commitment to the young people she supports.

She said: “We were incredibly proud of Elisa winning the award – it’s a testament to how hard she works to ensure the young people in our service are safe, supported and cared for.

“The Jordan Carrington Award means so much to us all, and it is a privilege to receive this.”

Phil Orton, Deputy Chief Executive at Making Space, said Elisa perfectly embodies the values the award was created to celebrate.

He added: “Elisa embodies everything this award stands for. She leads with kindness, compassion and an unwavering belief in the people around her, helping young people build confidence and supporting colleagues to thrive.

“We are incredibly proud to see her recognised with an award that honours the legacy of Jordan Carrington.”

Celebrating excellence in social care

The annual Making Space Colleague Awards brought together finalists, colleagues, volunteers, sponsors and guests from across the organisation to celebrate outstanding achievements in social care.

The event was made possible with the support of headline sponsor Ad Alta Consulting, recognising the dedication of staff and volunteers who make a lasting difference to the lives of people and communities across the country.