Achievements of children growing up in care celebrated

The annual Celebration of Achievement for Children in our Care and Care Leavers took place at Ewood Park last week.

The children and young people were nominated for awards by their carers, schools and Children’s Services staff.

Categories included: academic achievement/progress, attendance, music & the arts, personal development and making a positive contribution.

In addition, there were a number of special awards for those who have particularly excelled in these areas.

University students and graduates were also celebrated as well as those who have gained apprenticeships and moved into work.

The event was opened by Blackburn With Darwen Council Chief Executive Denise Park, she said:

The Celebration of Achievement for Children in our Care and Care Leavers event is an important date in our calendar and I’m always so delighted to attend and congratulate all our young people. As corporate parents the Council has special responsibilities to care experienced children and young people and we are very proud of them!

As well as the Chief Executive, Councillor Brian Taylor, Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen Council, Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, Councillor Julie Gunn, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, Strategic Director of Children’s Services Joanne Siddle and officers from the wider council and the Children’s Services Department all attended.

Councillor Julie Gunn said:

This is a really special event and one that I look forward to every year.  We see incredible young people all working hard to overcome life’s challenges and make a positive future for themselves. It’s always an extremely inspiring and emotional night.

Rover the Dog (courtesy of Blackburn Rovers Community Trust), popped in to see everyone and the special guest for the evening was Blackburn born author Christina Gabbitas who presented the awards and provided some kind words and books.

There were special performances from six of the children and young people attending as well as a thoughtful speech from one of the Care Leavers.

The John Bury Trust also attended and kindly sponsored two of the special awards and funded the vouchers for the special award winners with OSMIS Education Limited sponsoring all of the other special award trophies.

All of the award winners received a certificate and gift voucher.