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Social care stars
celebrated
LIVERPOOL'S social care stars are
to be celebrated in a glittering awards ceremony at St George's Hall. The
Social Care Star Awards on Friday 20 November are the idea of the Children
In Care Council, which acts as the voice of young people in care in
Liverpool.
They have worked closely with Children's Services and Culture Liverpool to
put together the event, which will be hosted by Jay Hynd and Ellie Phillips
from Bay TV Liverpool and opened by the Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson.
As well as rewarding young people, foster carers and staff for outstanding
achievements, the event will also feature music from MiC Lowry; critically
acclaimed as one of the most exciting young RnB groups in the world - and 18
year old singer and care leaver Molly Fairclough who was chosen to perform
following auditions.
Categories at the awards include:- 'Rebel to Role Model', which
recognises a young person who has overcome life challenges to transform
their life, and achievement awards for sport, performing arts and education.
Also celebrated will be foster carers and social care staff for their work
with children in care, families and partners.
Mayor Joe Anderson said:- "Too often we only read bad stories about
children in care, but I know the reality is that there are many success
stories and the Star Awards is aimed at celebrating them. This will be
an amazing evening which will feature some truly inspirational people and
demonstrate the brilliant work that goes on every day to support our most
vulnerable young people."
Michael Binns, participation officer with Children's Services and formerly
Chair of Liverpool Children in Care Council, said:- "This event is to
celebrate the big family of Liverpool, from the corporate parents that are
Council Workers, to foster carers and young people.
It is the 1st time that we have had one big family celebration and the
idea came from the Children in Care Council to celebrate how many different
people are involved in supporting our young people."
A number of sponsors have generously funded the cost of the evening. They
are: Little League Sports; Signature Living; Liquid Logic; ICT Revolutions;
School Improvement Service; Penny Lane Hotel; Liverpool FC; Everton In the
Community, KPMG and MSP Global Ltd.
Molly, who is in the process of getting her own flat as she moves to living
independently, said:- "Being asked to sing at the awards is huge for
me as it has given me an opportunity to work alongside a professional vocal
coach. It really is the best thing that has happened to me in such a long
time and is helping me look towards the future."
Local artist Cathy Cross from Make Space Create; who designed the family
area at the Liverpool International Music Festival; is creating a Tree of
Aspiration especially for the evening which people will be able to use to
express their dreams and hopes.
Liverpool has over 150 more looked after children than it had 5 years ago,
and the number now stands at more than 1,000. The rise is due to a greater
level of awareness of the issue of child neglect and abuse following the
Baby Peter case in Haringey, and is reflected across the country
The City Council has over 300 foster carers currently looking after
children, and the City is aiming to recruit more to keep up with the demand
for loving homes.
People interested in fostering can visit:-
FosteringForLiverpool.Co.UK to find out more
or call the recruitment line on:- 0151 515 0000. |
