Looked-after children and young people recognised at Celebration of Achievement

EMMERDALE star Kelvin Fletcher (Andy Sugden) will present awards at the fourth annual Celebration of Achievement for Barnsley’s looked-after children and young people at Brooklands Hotel, Dodworth, on Tuesday, 1 July, from 4.45pm.

Eighty-four children who have made progress in a wide variety of areas over the last year have been nominated for awards. Nominations are submitted by teachers, social workers, carers, parents, reviewing officers, staff involved in delivering services such as NCH Back Up (care leavers service) and NSPCC Children's Rights.

Progress could have been made at school, in sport, music, arts, or as a result of a personal achievement – for example overcoming difficulties or helping others.

 Categories for the awards based on the Every Child Matters five outcomes and are:

• Enjoyment and Achievement (education),
• Enjoyment and Achievement (performance arts),
• Enjoyment and Achievement (sport),
• Making a Positive Contribution to Others,
• Be Healthy (bravery),
• Achieving Economic Wellbeing,
• Enjoyment and Achievement (personal and social development).

Assisting Kelvin Fletcher in handing out the awards will be Mayor of Barnsley, Cllr Ken Sanderson. Winners will all receive a certificate and gift vouchers.

Guests at the event will be entertained by musicians from the Performing Arts Development Service (PADS) as they arrive and there will be speeches by Rick Lohan, Assistant Executive Director Children and Family Wellbeing Service, Cllr Linda Burgess, Lead Member for Children, Young People and Family Services, and Edna Sutton, Executive Director for Children, Young People and Families.

The awards ceremony will be followed by a buffet and a disco.

ENDS

Issued by press office, Barnsley MBC, 01226 773375, email: pressoffice@barnsley.gov.uk