Darlington response service nominated for national award

The Darlington Rapid Response Service, run by the charity Making Space, are finalists in the Great British Care Awards (GBCA) for the third time, this year going for the Palliative Care title.

The category is for those who provide compassionate care and support to people at the end of their lives.

The team of 16 offers short-term emergency care for people across Darlington.

In 2022, they were named GBCA Social Care Covid Heroes for their work during the pandemic, and in 2020 they were finalists for the Care Team award.

Rebecca Webster, team leader, said: "Rapid have stepped up to manage end-of-life care demand, supporting people through their last stages of their lives until they have gained their angel's wings.

"Some people might say ‘but that's their job’.

"However, it takes a special team to ensure they go above and beyond to ensure the person’s holistic care needs are met, and it takes kind hearts to feel warmth, kindness and empathy.

"This means taking time to involve the person’s loved ones on that last journey.

"Rather than being task focused, the team always put the person at the heart of the service."

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Mark Storey, the Making Space regional head of operations responsible for Darlington, said: "The Rapid Response team really encapsulate our commitment to putting wellbeing at the heart of health and social care.

"We believe support should be there for anyone who wants it, at the point and in the form that it’s needed, and the Rapid Response team do just that.

"We’re delighted that the GBCA judges have recognised this remarkable quality in the Rapid Response team, and we wish them and all the finalists the very best of luck on the night."

The team will find out if they have won the GBCA Palliative Care Award for the North East region at a ceremony at Newcastle’s Grand Hotel Gosforth Park on November 7.