Care leavers personal adviser shortlisted for national award

One of Bury Council’s Next Chapter Leaving Care Team, Sharon Duncan, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Personal Adviser of the Year Award.

The National Leaving Care Benchmarking Forum (NLCBF) awards celebrate personal advisers from across the country, recognising their impact, dedication, and the positive difference they make every day.

The awards ceremony takes place tonight (13 Nov) in Birmingham as part of National Care Leavers Month.

Sharon works with young people aged 16 to 25, helping them navigate the transition to adulthood. Her role involves guiding care-experienced young people through major life changes including handling finances, securing housing, accessing education or employment, and building essential life skills.

One of her main responsibilities is guiding young adults through one of the most challenging times of anyone’s life – moving into their own accommodation. She helps them to manage budgets for rent, utilities, food and other bills, and with practical issues such as finding furniture, learning to shop smartly and preparing to live on their own.

The intention is to support her care leavers while also encouraging their independence, so the young people actively engage in plans covering their home life, education and careers, while Sharon is on hand to encourage, advise and connect them with other professionals such as employment advisors.

Sharon was nominated for the award by her manager Kelly Catherall. Kelly says: “I nominated Sharon because she supported a young person to navigate a significant life change. She did this in a safe, sensitive, and non-judgemental manner. She listened to the young person and demonstrated empathy towards her situation. I am extremely proud of Sharon.”

Sharon say: “I was delighted to be shortlisted for this award, as I find my job so rewarding. It is such a privilege to walk alongside young people as they take their first steps into independence and be there to support them through the ups and downs of their daily lives. There are challenging moments, but it’s wonderful to see their confidence grow and to celebrate their achievements together.”

Councillor Lucy Smith, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “I would like to send my warmest congratulations to Sharon, whose commitment and compassionate approach makes a real difference in the lives of our care-experienced young people. Personal Advisors like Sharon provide essential one-to-one support, building trusting relationships that offer young people a reliable person to turn to during what can be the most challenging transitions of their lives.

“The National Leaving Care Awards give us the important opportunity to celebrate her dedication and highlight the critical role Personal Advisors play every day. We are proud to support Sharon and all our team who work tirelessly to empower our care leavers on their journey to independence.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 13 November 2025.

Photo: Sharon Duncan.