South Gloucestershire Council recently hosted a special awards evening at the BAWA Club to celebrate the outstanding achievements of children in care and care leavers.
The Champions Awards shine a light on the resilience, determination and progress of young people who have overcome significant challenges to pursue their goals. The event is a heartfelt celebration of their success and a demonstration of the Council’s ongoing commitment to the children and young people it supports as a corporate parent.
More than 100 people attended the ceremony, including children and young people, foster carers, social workers, personal advisors, and senior leaders from South Gloucestershire Council.
Nominations were submitted by professionals and foster carers and carefully considered by a dedicated panel which was made up of young people and Directors of the Council. Winners were selected across eight award categories, with 32 individuals being selected to receive the ’Standout Award’ in recognition of their exceptional achievements across the eight categories.
Nominees received a medal and certificate to celebrate their accomplishments, while the Standout Award recipients were presented with a trophy and certificate to mark their outstanding contributions.
South Gloucestershire Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Simon Johnson, said: “I’m incredibly honoured to have been part of this year’s Champions Awards and to hear the truly inspirational stories shared by our children and young people.
“These awards are about so much more than recognition; they’re a powerful way of showing our young people that we value them, and we believe in them. Their achievements, often in the face of significant challenges, are a testament to their strength and determination. They are also role models, showing others who are either in care, or have left care that they too can go on to achieve great things.”
Shawney, one of the young people presented with a Standout Award for always Helping Others, said: “I enjoyed the night and saw lots of people, and loved how many were recognised for their achievements.”
