Buckinghamshire celebrates the remarkable achievements of children in care

Almost 70 of Buckinghamshire’s children in care and care leavers have had their achievements celebrated at a special awards event on Wednesday (30 August).

The County Council hosted the annual event, now in its seventh year, which is held to recognise and celebrate the personal, academic and sporting achievements of the county’s looked-after children and young people leaving care.

Children and young people in care, ranging from babies to young adults, were nominated by professionals working with them in a number of categories including overcoming difficult circumstances, coping admirably with change and for achievements within education, training or sport.

At the event the audience heard an inspirational speech from a Buckinghamshire care leaver and were also treated to a special performance by rapper and motivational speaker Mikel Ameen. Outside there was a host of different activities for the guests to take part in and be entertained by, including wandering entertainment by the Flying Seagull Project, Green Park’s outdoor adventure activities and a chill-out zone for teenagers. A prize draw was held for the children and their families with prizes donated by generous local businesses and organisations.

Warren Whyte, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, was one of the hosts of the event. He said: “Like all parents, we as ‘corporate parents’ are all proud of our children and young people in care and want to celebrate their achievements, made despite having had some tough challenges to overcome in their young lives. I’m absolutely bowled over by our children and young people in care and leaving care; they have each achieved so much and I want to say well done to every one of them.”

Gladys Rhodes White, Interim Executive Director of Children’s Services, co-hosted the event with Warren. “This has been one of the best days of my year in Buckinghamshire”, Gladys said. “To hear at first hand and celebrate the incredible achievements of our children in care and care leavers has been awe-inspiring and they all really deserve this recognition.

“I would like to say thank you to our wonderful staff and carers who provide the much-needed support and stability every day that enables our young people to flourish.”

The County Council holds the celebration event every year to recognise and celebrate achievement among the 450 children in its care and its care leavers.