Lincoln support worker wins prestigious Care Newcomer Award at Great British Care Awards
Holly Turner, Senior Support Worker for national social care charity Making Space, has been named the winner of the Care Newcomer Award at the East Midlands regional finals of the Great British Care Awards (GBCA).
Holly from Lincoln, who works at Swallow Lodge in North Hykeham – a respite service for people with learning disabilities and complex needs – was recognised for the exceptional impact she has made within just 12 months of joining the care sector.
The Care Newcomer Award celebrates individuals who have entered social care within the last year and have successfully transferred skills from previous work, volunteering or life experience. Winners must demonstrate empathy, excellent people skills, and a strong understanding of what high-quality, person-centred care truly means.
The judges recognised Holly for the immediate and positive impact she has made since joining the team, helping to strengthen routines, refine systems and enhance the smooth day-to-day running of Swallow Lodge. She was praised for her emotional intelligence, initiative and commitment to inclusive, trauma-informed support have enabled her to build strong, trusting relationships with the people she supports.
Colleagues at Swallow Lodge said: “Holly is a natural leader whose presence helps Swallow Lodge feel more like a home than a service. She’s been a catalyst for positive change, uplifting the culture, strengthening teamwork and championing truly person-centred practice.”
Speaking about her win, Holly said: "Winning this award feels incredibly special. I’m truly grateful for the recognition, but even more grateful for the amazing people I have the privilege to support and the trust they and their families place in me. I just love what I do, and seeing the impact, big or small, means everything to me. It feels amazing l to receive this honour, and I’m deeply thankful for the nomination, the encouragement, and the chance to do work that means so much to me."
Rachel Peacock, CEO of Making Space, said: “Holly’s achievement is truly inspiring. To make such a profound impact in just one year shows not only her skill, but her heart. Her compassion, emotional intelligence and values-driven approach shine through in everything she does, and we couldn’t be prouder of her. Holly represents the very best of social care, and we are thrilled to see her recognised in this way.”
Making Space also celebrated wider success at this year’s Great British Care Awards, with 12 regional shortlistings across the UK. In the North West, we were named Care Employer of the Year, while Lisa Coates-Peers won the Putting People First Award and Hollymere’s own Kim Clibery and Heidi Francis received the Housing with Care Award. In Yorkshire & Humberside, Alan Taylor was honoured with the Unpaid Carer Award for his exceptional dedication to caring for his wife and supporting fellow carers in the community.
All regional winners will now go forward to the National Finals in 2026 at the ICC in Birmingham.
Making Space provides care, support and wellbeing services for people living with mental health conditions, learning disabilities, dementia and complex needs, as well as for their families and carers. Find out more at www.makingspace.co.uk.