The efforts and achievements of more than 430 Somerset children looked after and care leavers have been celebrated at this year’s Annual Achievement Awards.
Children and young people were recognised for their efforts through nominations from social workers, foster carers, leaving care workers, schools and other Children’s Services professionals.
The event took place at Bridgwater and Albion Rugby Football Club on Thursday 24 July. It was organised by the Somerset Council Engagement and Participation team and hosted by members of the Somerset in Care Council (SiCC) and Somerset Leaving Care Council (SLCC) who welcomed guests, made speeches and presented awards.
Children and young people nominated for awards were split across 2 age groups, juniors aged 0 to 12 years, and seniors aged 13+ and were commended across 5 categories:
- Personal Achievement – showing resilience or personal development.
- Positive Pastimes – doing well in sport, music, social, arts or leisure activities.
- Education, Training and Employment – Virtual School Award for achievements at school, college, in training or work.
- Helping Others – helping or making a difference to other people.
- Courage – being brave in dealing with personal illness or tragedy or helping and supporting those around them.
Nominations were anonymised and reviewed by a panel, who selected the winner of each category. Winners and nominees, along with their guests, were invited to attend, collect their awards, and have their achievements celebrated.
Workers and teachers were also commended at the event, with young people nominating the adults that work with them, with 20 nominations received across 3 categories.
One member of SiCC and SLCC said:
This day is about celebrating what we’ve overcome, what we’ve achieved, and showing the world who we really are. These awards mean a lot, because they come from people who’ve walked beside us and seen our journey. We’re proud of each other, and we’re proud of ourselves.
One foster carer said:
Thank you for such a lovely afternoon. Our young people had such fun, enjoyed the toy table, and absolutely loved all the kind attention shown to them, especially the opportunity to choose music to dance to at the very end! They have their certificates proudly displayed in their room and they were happy and cheery all afternoon.
Cllr Heather Shearer, Somerset Council Lead Executive Member for Children, Families and Education, said:
It’s always heartwarming to see the bond between foster carers and the children they support. Events like the Annual Achievement Awards really shine a light on that connection, whether it’s their first time or they’ve supported many children over the years, carers pour so much into each child. I’m incredibly proud of them all.
We are always in need of more foster carers, so do take a look at our website or contact us to find out more. You can really feel the joy, the love, and the sense of belonging that fostering brings here today.
SiCC and SLCC is a way for children looked after or care leavers to have a voice about the things that matter to them and help shape the services that they use. To find out more about SiCC and SLCC visit somersetincarecouncils.org.uk or email: somersetincarecouncils@somerset.gov.uk.
For more information on fostering, visit fosteringinsomerset.org.uk.
