Two care workers from supported living services in Accrington and Clitheroe have been shortlisted for the Great British Care Awards.

Support worker Jariena Patel, known as Jaz, has been shortlisted for the End of Life Care Award, whilst team leader Corinne Riley is in the running to take home the Frontline Leader Award, as part of the Great British Care Awards which celebrate excellence across the care sector.

This is the second leadership recognition for Corinne, who was awarded the winning trophy in the same category by the charity, Making Space, in October.

Both Jaz and Corinne help people with mental health issues to live independently in their own homes in supported living schemes in Ribble Valley and Hyndburn operated by the national adult health and social care charity, Making Space.

Their dedication to their work was recognised by award judges, who shortlisted Jaz for the valuable emotional and practical support she gave to a tenant following a terminal cancer diagnosis.

Corinne’s kind, encouraging and supportive leadership and unwavering commitment to both employees and tenants saw her make the shortlist.

Corinne said: “Being shortlisted for the GBCA awards is literally like a dream, I genuinely can't believe it’s happening.

“I love what I do and have a wonderful team around me.

"To know that they got together to nominate me for these awards feels very special.”

Jaz said: “I’ve worked in the care and support sector for the last two decades and truly enjoy my job, so it means the world to me to even be nominated.

"It was a tough time for our terminally ill tenant, his family and neighbours so I just tried my best to make those sad days a bit brighter.

“Making Space is an incredible organisation to work for and I truly have the best colleagues and manager who all provide amazing support to the teams and service users.”

Phil Orton is chief people officer at Making Space, a national adult health and social care charity with 1,200 employees across the UK.

He said: “Corinne has been with Making Space for over 13 years and her experience and dedication are incredibly valuable to us, her team and the people who use our services.

“The way she leads her teams and tenants is exactly what the care sector is all about – supporting people to be their best and giving them the tools they need to achieve their goals.

“Jariena isn’t an end-of-life specialist, but she went out of her way to make sure her tenant’s last few weeks were brighter, and she did it with compassion and professionalism.

"She also supported his family and fellow tenants during what was a very difficult time for everyone.

"She is a wonderful example of how care professionals can make such a big difference to people’s lives.

“We’re all 100 per cent behind both finalists and will be cheering them on at the ceremony.”

Jaz and Corinne have been shortlisted for the North West region, with winners to be announced at a ceremony at Manchester’s Kimpton Clocktower Hotel later this month.

Regional winners will automatically be entered into the national finals, which will take place in March 2023.