A Hunslet support worker has been recognised by her charity employer as the winner of its Outstanding Contribution of the Year trophy.
Debra Hanrahan, who works with Waterhouse Court Supported Housing in Hunslet was given the award by national adult health and social care charity Making Space.
She was one of over 150 people nominated for the annual Making Space Colleague Awards.
She took home the trophy after judges praised her passion for her role, saying:
“Her enthusiasm for the people she supports is immediately apparent when you meet Debra.”
Debra was presented with her trophy at a ceremony held at the Hilton Hotel in Liverpool, with a keynote speech by motivational speaker and leadership expert Gavin Ingham. The audience heard how Debra enables adults with a variety of support needs with a unique package of personalised, 24/7 care.
Alison Everett, Skills for Care area manager, and Making Space trustee Katharine Wykes judged the Outstanding Contribution award. They selected Debra for her “joyous” nature and commitment to tenants and colleagues alike, saying:
“Her goal is for everyone around her to develop themselves to their full potential.
“She’s diligent, always happy to take on extra training and new responsibilities her clients require and her values align completely with those of Making Space.”
This is the second time Debra has won a Making Space Colleague Award. She was also a finalist in the Great British Care Awards and the national Housing With Care Awards.
Service manager Sajeed Daji, who nominated her for the award, said:
“Debra is an inspiration to everyone she meets.
“She makes herself available around the clock to support tenants, who have a complex range of needs, and as a team leader she leads by example and demonstrates what excellence in care looks like.”
Debra said:
“Being part of Making Space has given me opportunities to work alongside some wonderful people and really develop within my role. Winning this award is very special to me and I intend to continue putting our tenants at the heart of my work and hopefully improving their lives however I can.”
The Making Space Colleague Awards 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 the charity.
The awards were sponsored by telecommunications provider Focus Group. The Outstanding Contribution Award was sponsored by Hempson’s solicitors.
This post is based on a press release issued by Making Space
Photo: Debra Hanrahan receives her award from charity Making Space
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