Young people celebrated at Star Awards ceremony

Tuesday, 25 April 2023 01:00

Young people from across Wiltshire came together on Friday (21 April) for a special Star Awards ceremony.

The event, which was sponsored by Community Matters, Waitrose, was held at Civic Centre, Trowbridge and provided an opportunity to celebrate the personal achievements of our children in care and care experienced young people.

The awards were split into four categories:

· Smashed It! – for those young people who have overcome significant challenges or done something special in their lives
· Future Pioneers! – for young people who have made progress in their education or are excelling in employment. Or for achievements such as sports or hobbies etc
· Taking Part! – for young people who have done something to help others in their community
· Voice Champion – for young people who have taken an active part in the Children in Care Council and/or shared their views to promote positive change

The children were nominated by teachers, personal advisors, social workers or foster carers for a variety of reasons.

(Left to Right) Cllr Laura Mayes (Cabinet Member for Children’s Services), Cllr Peter Hutton (Portfolio holder for Safeguarding), Natasha Robbins, Lucy Townsend (Corporate Director for People) and Jen Salter (Director, Families & Children)

These included being on the interview panel for the Director of Families and Children role at Wiltshire Council, talking at the House of Commons about being an Unaccompanied Asylum Seeker, raising money for charities and working hard and never giving up at school.

Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, said: “This is one of my favourite dates in the calendar – celebrating and recognising the achievements of our young people. It was truly inspirational listening to their stories and hearing how they have often overcome great difficulties to get where they are today.

I am proud of every single one of them and I know the Wiltshire Council team feel the same. I was honoured to attend and meet the young people and present them with their awards.”

Natasha Robbins who compered the event said: “As a care experienced person myself, I was so honoured to host the awards night and am so proud of every young person that is thriving and overcoming their everyday challenges and to all the teams at Wiltshire council that encourage and inspire a brighter future, I feel so blessed to be in a team that work with these young people that come from many different walks of life.”