Young people from across Wiltshire came together on Friday (8 April) for a special Star Awards ceremony. The event held at Civic Centre, Trowbridge was an opportunity to celebrate the personal achievements of children in care and care experienced young people.
The awards were split into three categories across three age groups (primary, secondary and post-16):
- Community and Participation - for those who have worked to help others in the community
- Education, Training and Employment - for those who have made significant progress with their education, or for older young people who have moved into apprenticeships or employment.
- Smashed It - for those who have overcome challenges to do something special.
The children were nominated by teachers, personal advisors or social workers for a variety of reasons. Young people had been involved in a variety of activities including completing the Duke of Edinburgh's Award during the pandemic, facing their fears on an outward-bound week and never giving up at school.
Performing on the evening were the band Kula Chakula, which means "eat food" in Swahili. The band was created to raise awareness and money for the Tumaini Children's Charity which educates and supports children in Kenya. The band has been supported to grow and flourish by the charity Kandu Arts, who were commissioned to deliver workshops with children in care by Wiltshire Council's Virtual School. Representatives from both charities were also in attendance at the awards.
Conservative Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, said:
It is important to me in my role as Cabinet Member for Children's Services to support young people but also to take the time to recognise their achievements. The pandemic has been hard on us all and we are so proud of the resilience shown by our young people and it makes their achievements even more remarkable.
The progress they have made is not just inspiring but also shows the determination they all have to succeed. I was honoured to be at the event to meet the children and present them with their awards.
The awards were sponsored by the New Resource Group, which also attended and presented the awards in the Education, Training and Employment category.
Samantha Field, National Business Development Manager for New Resource Group, said:
At New Resource Recruitment, our local Melksham offices have the pleasure of supporting businesses across Wiltshire with temporary and permanent recruitment services. Equally we are extremely passionate about supporting our wider community, especially Wiltshire Council's Fostering Service. We endeavour to raise awareness and promote the wonderful work that the service provides across Wiltshire.
It is an absolute privilege to have the opportunity to be the Proud Principal Sponsor of a truly meaningful evening. The Star Awards is the perfect opportunity to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of children and young people across Wiltshire.
