Children in Care Awards recognise outstanding young people in Swindon

Two special events were held to celebrate the achievements of children and young people in the care of Swindon Borough Council.

This year’s Children in Care Awards contained a number of categories including achieving in education, sports, arts and community spirit.

To make sure all the children were able to take part, two separate events were held. A party for younger children was held at Kidz About in West Swindon, while a masquerade ball was held for older children at Blunsdon House Hotel.

The older children wore their finest outfits and homemade masks to celebrate their achievements alongside their carers and social workers. They were joined by Councillor David Renard, Leader of the Council, and Cllr Mary Martin, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services.

One young person, formerly in care, shared his inspirational story, while another young person currently in care wowed the audience, singing beautifully to a standing ovation. The Council is now supporting her to record her own music.

Younger children enjoyed an afternoon of superhero-themed fun at Kidz About, joined by Cllr Martin, the Mayor of Swindon, Councillor Kevin Parry, and the Mayoress, Barbara Parry.

With 80 per cent of the Council’s annual budget going to support Adult’s and Children’s services, supporting children in care is a significant part of the Council’s role.

All the children attending the awards are no longer able to stay with their families for a number of reasons, meaning they are cared for by the borough either through foster carers, residential settings or extended family members, who become foster carers.

Councillor Mary Martin, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “These awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and reward some of the amazing children and young people in our care, some of whom have experienced very difficult periods in their lives. It was inspiring to hear the personal story of a former child in care and I hope it showed the children that they all have bright futures ahead of them.

It was a truly uplifting evening, well done to all the children who were recognised at the awards and thank you to those who made the event possible."