A WARRINGTON care worker who ‘found her true calling’ has been shortlisted for a national care award.

Nichola Sutton has been named a finalist at the Great British Care Awards, having been recognised for her work in the support team at Harpers Green extra care housing development in Padgate.

The Housing with Care award which Nichola has been shortlisted for recognises people who deliver the ‘highest quality service to people who need a range of complex care needs’. 

Judges selected the local care worker after hearing how she “found her calling” when she joined Harpers Green, where the care is provided by Warrington-based national health and social care charity Making Space.

The prestigious awards are held annually to pay tribute to outstanding individuals and teams in the care sector.

Elizabeth Kamwithi, registered manager at Harpers Green, said: “Nichola came to us after bringing up her own children and says she’s found her true calling and second family.

“She’s excited to arrive, constantly cheerful and a breath of fresh air. She even comes in on days off to spend time with people and gain their trust.

“Nichola helps tenants with extra care needs and goes out of her way to make sure everyone experiences positive attention and warmth. She has an amazing memory for what people enjoy doing and we frequently hear laughs when Nic’s here.

“It’s impossible not to feel happy around her.”

This is the second time this year the award nominee has been singled out for recognition for her work as this July she was named Wellbeing Hero in the annual Making Space Colleague Awards.

However, Nichola says her job doesn’t feel like work and is more like a second home.

“When I go into work it just feels like I’m going to see my other family,” she explained.

“For years I was a stay-at-home mum to my three children and I loved it, but this job has made me the person I am today.

“I love the people I work with and look forward to seeing them, going to work makes me feel relaxed and happy. We have so much fun with singalongs and activities. No two days are the same, and I can’t imagine ever doing anything else.”

Mark Storey, Making Space regional head of operations in Warrington commented on the award nomination, stating: “At Making Space we live by a set of values, and ‘kind hearts’ is the most important of all.

“It embodies everything that we are and do at Making Space, and Nichola is a shining example of how kind hearts change lives.

“She thrives on helping others and, as she says, she gets such joy from her job that it doesn’t feel like work at all. This has a positive impact on her colleagues, the people she supports and the whole atmosphere at Harper’s Green.

“We’re delighted that the judges have recognised Nichola’s unique qualities – she thoroughly deserves to be at the ceremony. We wish all the finalists from the care sector the very best of luck and look forward to celebrating with them all on the night.”