Children in care set to fly high at awards ceremony

We’re holding a special awards ceremony to congratulate and say a huge thank you to children who are currently or were cared for by the council. 

The Children in Care and Care Leavers Awards is an annual celebration where we recognise our children and young people’s personal achievements.  

Every child or young person we cared for will have had different experiences in life, and the event is designed to acknowledge how they have made a difference to their own lives or someone else’s. 

With them every step of the way 

The awards are also designed to inspire children and young people to strive for success, knowing that we, as their corporate parent, are behind them every step of the way and appreciate how much they are achieving. 

The ‘Flying High’ ceremony takes place this Friday (14th October) at the i360 and around 50 children and young people are set to attend, with each receiving an award. 

The children and young people are nominated by those who know them, such as social workers, teachers and other professionals. 

Local young musicians will take the stage  

There will also be food and live performances by local musicians who are or were previously in our care.  

The welcoming speech will be made by the city’s Mayor, Councillor Lizzie Deane, with Councillor Hannah Allbrooke, chair of the council’s Children, Young People and Skills committee, and chief executive Geoff Raw in attendance. 

Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club’s mascot Gully will also be there to support the event. 

‘Great opportunity to celebrate children and young peoples’ successes’

Mayor Councillor Deane said: “The awards recognise our children and young people who are motivated, achieving and determined, so this is a great opportunity to celebrate the successes - big and small - for our children in care and care leavers.  

“Looking after children is one of the most important things our council does, and we must always strive to give our children and young people the care, support and opportunities they deserve as well as having ambitions for them.”  

We are at present caring for around 400 children (with almost 40 being Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children - UASC) and another 400 care leavers aged 18-25, with around 120 being UASC. 

‘Very proud of our children in care and care leavers’ 

Councillor Allbrooke said: “As councillors, providing opportunities for our children in care is one of the most important responsibilities we have. These annual awards give the council and everyone involved with our children and young people the opportunity to show how proud we are of what they have achieved. 

“Our hard-working social workers and fantastic foster carers also deserve praise and recognition. They show dedication every day in looking after our children and young people and I am so grateful to them all.” 

The event will finish with the children and young people taking a Sunset Flight on the i360. 

If you’d like to know more about fostering in Brighton & Hove call 01273 295444 or visit our fostering website.