A fin-tastic evening of celebrations
07 Nov 2019 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
More than 200 of Northumberland’s looked after children and care leavers had their achievements celebrated at a special beach-themed awards event last week.
Northumberland County Council hosts an annual event to recognise and celebrate the personal, academic and sporting achievements of the county’s looked-after children and young people leaving care.
The children and young people, ranging in age from pre-school to young adults, were nominated by professionals who work with them, and their carers, in a number of categories; including achievements in education, employment and training, sport, and making a positive contribution.
The children and young people were invited with their guests to attend the event which was held at Morpeth Leisure Centre.
There was a beach theme and those attending enjoyed a range of fun arcade style games and activities as well as a buffet meal. Keeping the seaside theme going there was also ice cream and candy floss!
At the event the audience had the opportunity to hear from a young person who has left care about her time growing up, the education support she received and the achievements she has made along the way.
Each child and young person was awarded a medal in recognition for their achievements and awards were introduced and presented by councillors and senior officers from the children’s services team.
Cllr Wayne Daley, deputy leader and cabinet member for children’s services at Northumberland County Council said: “The celebration event was inspiring and humbling, and I felt privileged to have been there. Our children and young people in care have achieved so much, despite having had some very challenging and difficult times to overcome.
“I am incredibly proud of each and every one of them and it was fantastic to be able to celebrate their achievements with them.
“I would also want to thank the carers who have made such a massive positive impact on the young people in their care."
The council’s children’s services team holds a similar event each year to recognise and celebrate achievement among the children in its care and its care leavers.