• Business
  • Business News
  • Video
  • Contact
Aycliffe Today
Aycliffe Today
  • Business
  • Business News
  • Video
  • Contact
  • Follow
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Youtube
Home
News

County Durham care leavers celebrated

November 22nd, 2018 Martin Walker News 0 comments 0

Achievements of County Durham care leavers have been highlighted during a national awareness week.

Durham County Council organised a series of events during National Care Leavers Week to celebrate those who are making a success of their lives within its boundaries.

Care leavers are defined as adults who have spent time in foster or residential care, or in other arrangements outside their immediate or extended family before the age of 18. In County Durham, there are approximately 229 care leavers age 17-21 and 183 age 22-24

The council offers a range of support for them in terms of helping them find somewhere to live, assisting them in their education and financial aid such as reduced council tax.

National Care Leavers Week – which ran from 24 to 31 October – aims to not only raise awareness of the needs of care leavers and the challenges they face entering adult life, but also to shine a light on those who are succeeding.

The council arranged seven days of activities as part of the week which has been organised by The Care Leavers’ Foundation annually since 2002.

The third Exceptional People in Care (EPIC) Awards recognised and celebrated the achievements of children and young people.

Nominations were received from social workers, foster carers, teachers and other professionals working with young people.

Awards were given in six categories, including to:

• Education: Rachel Calder, for performing well in her A-Levels despite a troubled home life. She has since gone on to study at Newcastle University.

• Volunteer: Connie Jones, for volunteering for a number of years in different organisations despite her personal difficulties.

• Investing in Children: Andrew Rochester. This award was chosen by fellow young people from the local authority’s Children in Care Council (CICC) in recognition of Andrew’s increased confidence and support for others.

The awards had a ‘beach party’ theme with the guest speaker a care leaver who talked about his journey through the care system.

Aside from the awards, County Durham care leavers also enjoyed a game of football against counterparts from Gateshead. The County Durham outfit triumphed 4-3 in the clash organised by Gateshead based national charity Changing Lives and a rematch has already been arranged.

An art day was also held at Durham’s Sjovoll Centre. Young people worked with an artist and completed some geometric art work which has been since displayed in the council’s County Hall headquarters.

The venue was also scene of a family fun day for looked after children which sought to raise awareness of the CICC and encourage people to join.

Cllr Olwyn Gunn, Cabinet member for children and young people’s services – who attended the EPIC Awards, said: “We are fully committed to supporting care leavers whether that be through accommodation, education or financially.

“It is always great to hear stories of these young people building on the support we give them to make successes of their lives and it was humbling to meet some of them at the awards.

“With the football and the arts day, the week of events truly was a great success and we look forward to doing it all again next year.”

Project lead Shaun Graham, who manages Changing Lives’ specialist accommodation for young people in Gateshead and Durham, said of the football match: ‘It was a fantastic day and a wonderful way to get everyone involved. I’d like to thank all the staff and young people who participated. We are looking forward to the next one!’

To find out more about the help available for care leavers in County Durham, visit www.durham.gov.uk/careleavers

 

Share it!

Facebook Twitter Google+ LinkedIn Pinterest
Next article SAINTS programme brings powerful space data to Earth
Previous article Hitachi and Bombardier reveal design innovations for HS2 contract bid

Related News

News

Chaos reigns as Durham County Council announces new cabinet after just 100 days

The leader of Durham County Council, Cllr Andrew Husband, has announced details of his new cabinet, following...
News

Get on board with bus travel this September

Residents are being encouraged to take advantage of discount bus fares in County Durham as part of a...
News

PCC urges the public to play their part to stop drink and drug driving

Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen is backing a national charity’s efforts to increase reporting of...

LATEST VIDEO

This week on A.T

Sep 23rd 1:40 PM
Community

Fun and Food scheme benefits thousands of children in County Durham

Sep 22nd 4:18 PM
Business

NC Group: Building the future workforce of Aycliffe’s engineering sector

Sep 18th 4:49 PM
Sport

Newton Aycliffe Juniors round-up

Sep 18th 9:44 AM
Business

How Senstronics culture has nurtured life-changing career for Jack

Sep 17th 12:47 PM
Community

Helping to create thriving communities across County Durham

Sep 17th 10:30 AM
Business

Strategic expansion for family firm as industrial suppliers set up shop in Aycliffe

Sep 16th 9:01 PM
Sport

Aycliffe prepare for FA Trophy trip

Sep 16th 3:09 PM
News

Chaos reigns as Durham County Council announces new cabinet after just 100 days

Sep 16th 10:47 AM
Sport

Aycliffe Cricket round-up

Sep 15th 4:27 PM
Community

Newton Aycliffe school children celebrating new facilities

Recommend
Follow @AycliffeToday
  • Business
  • Business News
  • Video
  • Contact
  • Back to top
© Aycliffe Today 2019. All rights reserved.
Developed by Thrive

Get our latest news direct to your inbox every Friday - subscribe to our free e-newsletter today.

Subscribe Now