Clitheroe support team wins national social care award for spreading joy

The Mitchell Street team, part of Clitheroe & Accrington Supported Living and Outreach service, were named winners of The Joy Makers Award at the Stars of Social Care (Teams) Awards 2026.

Held at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in Manchester on 8 May and hosted by ITV This Morning’s Josie Gibson, the awards celebrate collaboration, compassion and dedication across the social care sector.

The Joy Makers Award recognises teams who create moments of happiness, positivity and connection for the people they support through creative, person-centred care.

Supporting adults over 18 with mental health conditions and learning disabilities, the Mitchell Street team were recognised for creating a warm and welcoming environment where people feel valued, connected and supported to thrive. Through meaningful activities such as chess, dominoes, meal clubs, outings, football, gym times, walking groups and group sessions, the team helps people build confidence, friendships and a strong sense of belonging.

Judges praised the team for living up to the name “Joy Makers” in every sense, highlighting the warmth, humour and creativity they bring to everyday life to help people feel connected, empowered and celebrated.

The judges also recognised the team’s response during a recent flooding emergency, when tenants had to be urgently evacuated from their homes. Staff worked quickly to ensure people were safe, helping to pack belongings, arrange temporary accommodation and provide emotional support through visits and phone calls.

The impact of the service is clear, with one individual regularly choosing to travel more than 11 miles independently to spend time at Mitchell Street, despite having support available much closer to home.

Making Space Service Manager, Corinne Riley, said:

“We are incredibly proud and honoured to accept this award together as a team. “This recognition truly belongs to every member of the team because we all go above and beyond every day. There is a real sense of teamwork, respect and care between us all, and we genuinely believe that is what makes us successful. This award means so much because it reflects the heart of our team and the difference we make to people’s lives every day. We are truly grateful to be recognised together.”

Jenny MacLeod, Making Space Regional Head of Operations for the area, added:

“We are incredibly proud of the Clitheroe team and the compassionate, high-quality support they provide every day. Their ‘can do’ attitude, commitment to inclusion and strong sense of teamwork make a real difference to the lives of the people they support, and this award is thoroughly deserved.”

Rachel Peacock, CEO of Making Space, added:

“Huge congratulations to the Mitchell Street team on this brilliant achievement. Their compassion, creativity and dedication to the people they support truly reflect our Making Space values in action. It was wonderful to spend the evening celebrating with the team and seeing their incredible work recognised on such a special stage. We are all extremely proud of them.”

Making Space also celebrated three further finalist teams at the awards. Greengate House Team, St Helens, were finalists in The Amazing Activity Team Award, while Huddersfield Road Young Person Support Service were shortlisted in The Supported Living Team Award category. Open Door Team, Stockport, were also recognised as finalists in The Mental Health Team Award. Find out more about Making Space at makingspace.co.uk.