Cared for children and their families from across Trafford came together to recognise their amazing achievements at a celebration in Partington.
Over 100 cared for children and young people were nominated for awards by their social workers, foster carers and other professionals, recognising their talents and achievements, ranging from academic and sporting success to helping others and speaking out for young people.
The nominations were all considered by senior leaders from Trafford Children’s Services, who commented on the quality, detail and depth of the nominations and how hard it was to pick out the winner. One of the nominations read as follows: “I can’t tell you how much of a superstar A has been since she came into my care two and a half years ago and what she has achieved in this time is unbelievable. She sat all her GCSES achieving excellent grades then onto college. Despite finding college hard she has never missed a day. She is an amazing role model to everyone, helps with the little ones and has so much patience and empathy, always puts others before herself. I can’t tell you how proud I am of her - she makes me burst with pride and I am sure every professional who works with her would agree too.”
The event took place at The Fuse in Partington and was hosted by Ali Kahn from the Big Comedy Shop, an organisation that promotes comedy and performance to build confidence in young people. Musical entertainment was also provided throughout the day by talented young people from Gorse Hill Studios.
After the ceremony, at which awards were presented by the Mayor of Trafford, Cllr Amy Whyte, children and their families enjoyed a big barbeque together and activities including football and games, mini go-karts, silent disco, balloon modelling, face painting and much more.
Cllr Karina Carter, Trafford’s Executive Member for Children and Young People, said:
“It was brilliant to have this opportunity to bring together many of our cared for children and their families and show them exactly how proud we are of the amazing things they have achieved over the past year.
“Many of these children have experienced challenges in their lives, with difficulties to overcome from early childhood. As corporate parents we are as ambitious for our cared for children as we would be for any of our own children. Celebrating their achievements is so important to recognise their many talents and we want to support them to have every opportunity to achieve their aspirations in life.
“I would like to thank the Trafford business community for their generous support of this important event, in particular Linden Homes and Countryside Homes, part of the Vistry Group,who were our headline sponsors and made it possible to give the children and their families such a brilliant day.”
Joe Turner, Managing Director, Manchester and Cheshire East, Vistry, said:
“We feel very privileged to have been given the opportunity to support such a significant event, just around the corner from where we’re building new homes. These young people and the invaluable contribution they are making in society are a real inspiration. Their achievements serve to reinforce the importance of our investment in Partington and our ongoing efforts to ensure this has a tangible impact far beyond the creation of new neighbourhoods.”