The achievements and hard work of the children and young people in care and care leavers in Bury were celebrated at the annual Believe and Achieve Awards.
A total of 174 young people had been nominated by their social workers, schools, carers, parents, families and support staff – who enjoyed a glittering awards ceremony and dinner at the Village Hotel.
The categories covered a wide range: Progress in Education, Employment and Training, Personal Achievement, Achievement in Sport, Physical Activity, Excellence in Arts, Drama and Music, Community Action and Volunteering and the Outstanding Achievements of a Care Leaver.
A new category of Rising to the Challenge of Lockdown was introduced this year to celebrate young people who had overcome personal challenges, undertaken work in the community or volunteered during the pandemic.
The evening was co-hosted by a young person from Bury and by Isobel Booler, Bury Council’s interim executive director of children’s services.
The opening address was given by Councillor Tamoor Tariq, cabinet member for children’s services, young people and skills. Also in attendance was Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, leader of the council, and Cllr Shaheena Haroon, the Deputy Mayor of Bury.
Cllr Tariq said: “It is important that we celebrate and highlight the hard work and achievements of our children and young people in care and care leavers - they are a credit to themselves and the whole community of Bury. Bury Council is proud of its commitment to corporate parenting, and we continue to work hard to raise the opportunities and aspirations of all our young people.”
The awards ceremony was followed by an evening of entertainment, magic and dancing hosted by Magic Mark Daniels, and face-painting and glitter tattoos were offered to all the young people.
The event was a focal point of Bury Corporate Parenting Week, which aims to highlight the importance of corporate parenting responsibilities to all Bury Council and CCG employees and also emphasise the council’s commitment to its children and young people in care and care leavers.
The event was made possible by the support and sponsorship of AFG Law, Carrick Signs, Casalingo Restaurant, and Inspire Community Services.
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