Event celebrate achievements of children growing up in care

Inspirational children and young people who are in care within Blackburn with Darwen were celebrated last week at a special event held at Ewood Park.

Leading Blackburn with Darwen councillors, Council Chief Executive and staff from Children’s Services came together with foster carers, parents, and school staff for the annual awards ceremony, organised by the Virtual School.

A total of 76 awards were given out, in a variety of categories including for academic achievement and progress, attendance, behaviour, sport, arts, resilience & determination and for making a positive contribution.

A number of special awards were also given out for young people who have particularly excelled in these areas.

The John Bury Trust sponsored one of the special awards, and all of the award winners received a certificate and gift voucher.

This inspirational event also celebrated young people who have recently left local authority care and are now studying at university and working in Council apprenticeship roles.

Councillor Julie Gunn, Executive Member for Children, Young People & Education, attended the event. She commented:

What an amazing evening, full of love and pride! I look forward to this event every year – it’s always so uplifting and inspirational to celebrate the achievements of these young people. “It’s so important that our children and young people growing up in care have this opportunity to reflect on all that they are achieving. It’s fair to say that they haven’t had the best start in life, but they are all working incredibly hard to overcome life’s challenges and make a positive future for themselves.

What is also heart-warming for me was to see the positive support networks our young people have around them, foster carers, social workers, teachers and many more. Their input really is making a difference to the lives of children in our care, as evidenced by the large number of awards being given out.

The awards were presented by special guest Steve Royle, a comedian and finalist in the 2020 series of Britain’s Got Talent. He also closed the event with his unique brand of entertainment – including mouth juggling!

One award winner commented:

It was brilliant to see so many happy young people and their guardians supporting them at the celebration evening. It’s so important that we celebrate our achievements in such a way and find new ambitions on our path to adulthood.