Celebrating our looked after children and care leavers
Sports stars and celebrities have joined forces to celebrate the achievements of young people in Kirklees.
What happened?
More than 200 children in care and care leavers, aged from 16 to 21, received awards in a special online event.
Their achievements included: looking out for friends during Covid-19 restrictions; being a fabulous mum; successfully taking GCSEs; completing their first year at university; securing an apprenticeship; and being determined to overcome difficult problems.
A special message
The young people were treated to specially recorded messages from Huddersfield Town striker Fraizer Campbell, Barnsley footballer Matty Wolfe and singer and I’m A Celebrity star Fleur East.
There were more inspirational speeches from local care leavers, from Kirklees Mayor Cllr Mumtaz Hussain, from council chief executive Jacqui Gedman and from Mel Meggs, Director of Children’s Services.
The Achieve Awards
The Achieve Awards is an annual celebration which was moved online this year due to Covid-19.
Cllr Viv Kendrick, Cabinet member for Children, said:
“As ever, it was a huge honour to take part in this wonderful event. The Achieve Awards is a highlight of the year and we were all determined to go ahead, despite the current restrictions.
Children and young people who have been in care often face much bigger obstacles than their peers and it’s vital to recognise and reward them, especially at a time when the world is so challenging. We heard inspiring stories about young people overcoming adversity and achieving their goals.
We’re so proud of our young people and we do everything we can to help them fulfil their potential. We want them to aspire, achieve and have the happy life they deserve.
I would also like to thank Fraizer Campbell, Matty Wolfe and Fleur East for sending personal congratulations. Their advice to the young people was about following your dreams and believing in yourself, which is such an important message.”
Awards were given in several categories, including personal goals, sports and leisure, family and friends, community contribution and education, employment and training.