Peterborough carers' service manager recognised with national co-production award

A Peterborough service manager has been recognised for her commitment to putting unpaid carers at the heart of service development after receiving a national award from social care charity Making Space.

Fasihah Kousar, Service Manager for the Peterborough Carers Wellbeing Service, received the Co-Production Award at the national social care charity's annual Making Space Colleague Awards, held at The Queens Hotel in Leeds on Friday 10 July.

With more than 1,000 colleagues and 100 volunteers across the organisation, this year's awards attracted more than 250 nominations, celebrating the individuals and teams who go above and beyond to make a positive difference to the lives of the people they support.

Fasihah was recognised for championing genuine co-production by listening to carers, acting on their feedback and working in partnership to shape inclusive services that empower carers and ensure their voices drive meaningful change.

The Peterborough Carers Wellbeing Service supports unpaid carers aged 18 and over with personalised one-to-one support, wellbeing activities, peer support groups and help to develop Emergency Support Plans for unexpected situations. The service is dedicated to improving the wellbeing, resilience and quality of life of unpaid carers across Peterborough.

Since joining Making Space, Fasihah has worked closely with carers, commissioners and partner organisations to ensure lived experience shapes how the service develops. She has introduced new opportunities for carers to share feedback, strengthened partnership working across the local health and care system, and championed practical improvements that make a real difference to carers' lives.

One of her most significant achievements has been launching Sahaara Sisters, a monthly support group for South Asian women who provide unpaid care. Developed in response to feedback and local need, the group provides a culturally welcoming space where women can connect, share experiences and access support in an environment where they feel understood.

Fasihah said: "I feel incredibly honoured and grateful to receive the Co-Production Award, especially in my first year at Making Space. I've had the privilege of working alongside unpaid carers, colleagues and communities to ensure lived experience is at the heart of everything we do. This award is a reflection of the power of listening, collaborating and creating services together, and I'm so proud to be part of an organisation that truly values co-production."

Phil Orton, Deputy CEO at Making Space, said: "Fasihah has shown an exceptional commitment to ensuring carers' voices are heard and acted upon. She understands that the people who use our services are the experts in their own lives, and through genuine partnership working she has helped create services that are more inclusive, responsive and shaped by lived experience. We are delighted to see her recognised with this well-deserved award."

The awards ceremony brought together finalists, colleagues, volunteers, sponsors and guests from across the organisation to celebrate excellence in social care. The event was made possible thanks to the generous support of headline sponsor Ad Alta Consulting.

If you are looking for rewarding career where you can make a real difference, where you will be truly valued, explore opportunities at makingspace.co.uk.

To find out more about free support for unpaid carers visit:
www.makingspace.co.uk/support-for-carers/peterborough-carers-wellbeing-service
www.makingspace.co.uk/support-for-carers/cambridgeshire-mental-health-carer-support