An "enthusiastic and naturally talented" teenager has won another awards for her voluntary work in a Darlington supported housing scheme.
Chloe Liddle chalked off a second win when she was named Inspirational Volunteer of the Year at the inaugural Women Achieving Greatness in Social Care awards (WAGS), which are held to recognise accomplishments across the social care sector. The 15-year-old was singled out by award judges for the support she offers residents at extra care housing scheme Rosemary Court on Blackton Grove.
Chloe was presented with her award by TV presenter Julia Bradbury at a black-tie gala ceremony and dinner at the Hilton Bankside Hotel in London. She was described as “enthusiastic and naturally talented,” and able to “instinctively anticipate and plan activities that people enjoy and benefit from”.
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Judges said: "With such a natural understanding of the importance of wellbeing, she will go far in this industry. Her contribution to social care can only be described as inspirational.” The win marks a run of awards success for the Longfield Comprehensive pupil. In October, Chloe, from Cockerton, was named Volunteer of the Year by the national adult health and social care charity Making Space.
And in November, Chloe was a finalist at the North East Great British Care Awards, held at the Grand Hotel Gosforth Park in Newcastle. Although she didn’t take home the award for Care Home Activity Organiser of the Year, Chloe was there to hear judges praise her commitment to volunteering.
In all three awards, Chloe was recognised for the activities and friendly support she offers residents at Rosemary Court, many of whom need extra help with personal care, meal preparation, medication and social support
Speaking of her latest award win, Chloe said: “I can’t believe I won, I was in shock. I’m over the moon about it. I love volunteering at Rosemary Court - everyone there is great and I really enjoy going there.”
Chloe attended the London WAGS ceremony with mum Becky Liddle who is the registered manager for Making Space supported housing services in Darlington, and no stranger to awards herself. A team of support workers Becky manages in Darlington took home a Great British Care Award for the work they did during the pandemic lockdowns, and another team was shortlisted for creating a menopause support group.
She said: “As a manager, I’ve been blown away by the success of our teams with awards. To finish this run of success in London with Chloe and be there to see her on the stage collecting the WAGS award has also made me an immensely proud mum. She was up against some strong ladies who have also done incredible work, and they all deserved to win. But I’m absolutely thrilled for Chloe, and I look forward to seeing what her bright future holds.”
Phil Orton, chief people officer, Making Space, which provides the care at Rosemary Court, said: “What a brilliant result for Chloe.
“I know she is studying health and social care at school and has ambitions of a career in the sector. And I have to say, Chloe is already clearly demonstrating the qualities we look for. She’s dedicated, positive and instinctively puts the needs of the people we support first and foremost. I have no doubt this is the beginning of a very long and successful career in care for Chloe. Like the judges said, she will go far.”
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