Youngsters in care rewarded

Youngsters in care across Herefordshire will be rewarded for their academic, sporting and social achievement at a special prize-giving ceremony this month.

More than 200 people are expected to attend Hedley Lodge, Belmont Abbey, Hereford, for Great Expectations, an annual celebration marking the success of Looked After Children (LAC).

The event, organised by Herefordshire Council’s Children’s Services will be held on Friday, November 25, at 5.30pm.

Nearly 100 youngsters aged between 6 – 17 have been nominated for awards this year while almost 20 adults who work with youngsters will receive similar recognition.

Entertainment will be provided by break-dancers and a young musician in care who performs regularly at The Courtyard Theatre.

The evening will also include a buffet and the prize-giving ceremony. Vouchers worth £50, £40, £30, £20 and £10 will be given to youngsters.

Cllr Don Rule, Deputy Leader of Herefordshire Council, said: “The idea behind Great Expectations is to reward the development of young people in care - whether that be sporting achievement, academic or social progress.

“It’s important for the development of youngsters in care that their progress is recognised.

“Many of the youngsters that Herefordshire Council looks after have had a difficult time.

“We want to engage and encourage them to achieve the best they possibly can and we have great expectations of them all.

“Youngsters can also nominate staff, carers, or foster parents for an award. It’s just as important that they get the recognition they deserve as well and, from that point of view it’s very much a two-way process.”

Herefordshire Council has around 160 youngsters in care.