A TEEN charity volunteer from Darlington has received an award for her voluntary work in a supported housing scheme for older people.

Chloe Liddle, 15, from Cockerton, was named Volunteer of the Year by Making Space, a national adult health and social care charity which employs over 1,200 people across the UK.

She was recognised for her voluntary work at Rosemary Court, which offers supported accommodation for people who need help with personal care, meal preparation, medication and social support.

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Chloe's volunteering streak began in summer 2021. As soon as Covid restrictions were lifted, Chloe started to help out at the Lascelles Park extra care housing scheme, which provides 24-hour support for people aged over 50 in their own apartments.

Chloe was presented with her award by Andy Grant – motivational speaker, Iraq and Afghanistan veteran and the world’s fastest single leg amputee in the world over 10km – at an award ceremony in Manchester.

Chloe, who is studying Health and Social Care at Longfield Comprehensive, spends her spare time organising activities for residents at Rosemary Court, under the supervision of qualified support workers.

She also helps out with group outings and walking the dogs of the residents.

Over 250 people were nominated for the Making Space awards, with three individuals or teams shortlisted for each award. The judges – Making Space trustee Ted McGuinness and chief people officer Phil Orton - praised Chloe for providing valuable help to both residents and support workers.

Phil said: “Chloe has lots of enthusiasm, a natural talent for motivation, and shows a lot of initiative in the activities she organises.

“She uses a wide range of activities to make sure there’s something to appeal to all of our tenants, helps support workers during outdoor activities, and makes sure no-one is left out.

“The fact that Chloe does all this voluntarily in her spare time and fits it in around her school work is admirable.”

Chloe, who plans to start an apprenticeship with Making Space when she leaves school in 2023, said: “I still can’t believe I was put forward for an award and then won.

“It really means the world to me.

"Caring for people is in my blood. I have watched my mum do it all of my life and seen the satisfaction she gets from her work. I can't think of anything else I would rather do when I leave school."

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.

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