Care experienced children and young people, alongside their carers and family members, came together to celebrate their individual and collective successes at a special awards event held at Hereford Racecourse on Tuesday 31 March.

Hosted by Tori Lynch the Service Director for Corporate Parenting, the awards recognise the talent and achievements of children and young people currently in the care of the local authority.

Awards were presented across six categories. Each award was sponsored by a supportive organisation in our business community that enabled each winner to receive £250:

• Participation - Herefordshire Growth Hub
• Education - Avara Foods
• Herefordshire Heroes - Dawleys
• Arts and Sports - Orphans Press
• Independence - Speller Metcalfe
• Sunshine - Momentum Pharma

Alongside the awards, children’s services staff and the children and young people enjoyed a fun afternoon filled with competitions, music, dancing and food.

Councillor Ivan Powell, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “We’re really pleased to hold this event for a second year and to see so many of our care experienced children and young people attending. These awards are an important date in our calendar, giving us the chance to come together to recognise and celebrate their incredible achievements. Well done to all the nominees and huge congratulations to this year’s award winners and a big thank you to the generous sponsors of the awards.”

Tina Russell, Corporate Director of Children and Young People, added: “I’d like to thank my staff, the carers and family members who gave their time to make this such a special occasion and the award sponsors. Who doesn’t love an award with £250 attached? These awards really matter because they allow us to recognise the progress and achievements of our young people who have navigated many challenges in their lives and to show them just how proud we are of them here in Herefordshire.”

The event highlights Herefordshire Council’s ongoing commitment as corporate parents to championing care experienced children and ensuring their achievements are recognised and celebrated.