More than 150 Bromley children and young people looked after and care leavers were nominated by their social workers for awards in this year’s Annual Celebration of Achievement.
The celebratory event, held at the Warren, was attended by more than 60 young people who joined together to celebrate each other’s successes and progress over the past year. Achievements were recognised in education, triumphs in sports and arts, dedication to volunteering in their communities, continued personal development in life and social skills, and for the support shown to their family, friends, and peers.
The young people were treated to a meal at the ceremony, joined by Mayor of Bromley, Councillor Russell Mellor, Councillor Kate Lymer, Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Children, Education and Families, senior children’s social care managers and the Director of Children’s Services. They all took the opportunity to congratulate the award winners and expressed the pride they shared for all the children’s achievements.
Councillor Kate Lymer said: “Our vision as corporate parents, is that everyone we care for should be protected, feel safe and go on to live happy and fulfilled adult lives. Our commitment to these young people sees us doing our very best to offer the encouragement they need to reach their potential, so when they achieve we are always delighted to celebrate with them.
“The opportunity to see our young people reflect on and revel in their successes was an especially proud moment for us all, especially as the pandemic had prohibited us from having an in-person event over the last two years. This year’s celebration was tremendous - the smiles, the laughs, and the joy was inspirational.”
The event was hosted by Sally Kelly, headteacher for the Virtual School, and a member of the Living in Care Council (LinCC). Throughout the evening, a photographer captured beautiful portraits of the winners collecting their awards from the Mayor of Bromley, printing them straight away so the winners could take away a precious keepsake from the event.
In addition, all the young people received either a gift voucher to participate in activities at the leisure centres across the borough, sponsored by Bromley MyTime, or at least two cinema passes, with the aim of supporting the young people to continue developing positive friendships and keeping active.
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- For media enquiries, please contact Susie Clark in Corporate Communications, on 020 8461 7911 or email susie.clark@bromley.gov.uk