Ella lights up special event to celebrate looked after children

A celebration of achievement ceremony was held at King George’s Hall to award young people who are living in care in Blackburn with Darwen – with help from local singing star Ella Shaw.

The ceremony takes place every year to highlight achievements and progress of the youngsters. Children were nominated for awards by schools, social workers and carers in the categories of:

Academic achievement/progress, attendance, behaviour, sport, music/the arts and making a positive contribution

There were also a number of special awards for those who had particularly excelled in these areas:

Special Award for Academic Achievement/progress – Secondary

Special Award Academic Achievement/progress – Primary

Special Award for Music Arts/Theatre

Special Award for Music Arts/Theatre

Special Award for Sport

Special Award for Academic Achievement/progress – Post 16

Special Award for Behaviour

Special Award for Positive contribution

Special Award for the Leaving Care Football Team – Champions 2016

As well as Ella, who gained fame after wowing judges on Britain’s Got Talent, who hails from Blackburn, the event was attended by the Mayor of Blackburn, Councillor Hussain Akhtar, and Councillor Maureen Bateson, Executive Member for Children’s Services at Blackburn with Darwen Council. Chief Executive Harry Catherall, along with Councillors, staff and carers also attended.

Ella said:

Being a young person myself, I love seeing young people achieving and doing well despite adversity.There is so much in terms of negative focus these days for young people to deal with, I’m all about helping young people believe in themselves.

I suffered with alopecia when I was at school and I had to wear a wig. I know how it feels to stand out and to appear different and be conscious of that. But that also makes you really strong and able to deal with the things that life throws at you.

Self-esteem is really important, and I really want to help young people to like and love themselves no matter who they are.”

She added:

When I have fallen down there has always been somebody there to pick me up. Seeing what these children and young people have achieved with the right support is nothing short of inspirational.”

Councillor Bateson said:

These children have worked extremely hard to overcome the challenges they have faced in their lives. The Children in Our Care Awards is our chance to celebrate the wonderful and inspiring achievements of looked after children.

Their stories are a real inspiration. They deserve to be recognised for their success and this is our way of showing how proud we are of their accomplishments. Taking the time to show that that we appreciate how far they have come, and remain committed to supporting them, is important to us.”