Young people celebrated at Believe and Achieve awards

Young people gathered at the annual Believe and Achieve awards to celebrate the triumphs of Bury’s cared-for children and care-experienced young people.

They had been nominated by their foster carers, teachers, social workers and other professionals to recognise their achievements in education, sport, creativity and the support they have given their community.

The ceremony at the Village Hotel included a buffet and entertainment and games for all ages, including face-painting, a photo booth, donut wall, and a baby dinosaur!

Some 150 children and young people were nominated across seven award categories, and there were 15 winners, as some of the awards are split into primary, secondary and post 16 age groups.

The award categories were:

• Let's Do It for Others: recognition of community action or volunteering
• Let's Do It for Me: personal achievement
• Let's Do It for Creativity: progress in art, drama, music or creative arts
• Let's Do It for our Wellbeing: sport, physical activity or personal wellbeing
• Let's Do It for our Achievements: progress in education, employment or training
• Let's Do It for our Future: achievement of a care leaver
• Special Award 2024: Mandy from event sponsors Carrick Signs chose this winner from all the nominations made.

The evening was hosted by Jeanette Richards, executive director for children’s services at Bury Council. She was joined by senior officers Stephen Holden and Linda Evans, and the council’s chief executive Lynne Ridsdale.

Also in attendance were Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, leader of the council; the Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr Khalid Hussain and Mrs Carol Bernstein; and Cllr Sean Thorpe, chair of the Virtual School Governing Board, along with Corporate Parenting Champions: Cllrs McBriar, Bernstein, Walsh, Quinn and Ryder.

Councillor Lucy Smith, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “It is always a privilege to attend the annual awards ceremony, a hugely important event in our calendar.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the successes of our young people, and making them feel seen, appreciated and special.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 29 November 2024.