Fundraising success for ‘Children and Young People Achievement Awards’

Bridgend Corporate Parenting Board’s Achievement Awards 2024 took place on Monday 28 October at the Steam Academy, Bridgend College, Pencoed.

These awards were created to celebrate the incredible achievements of children and young people aged 5 to 21 years old, who are either currently or previously looked after by Bridgend County Borough Council.

This special event was made possible through the generosity of local and national businesses, sponsoring the main event and awards, alongside fundraising efforts by team members from Children’s Services, and kind public donations via the Just Giving fundraising platform that was set up with the help from Awen Cultural Trust.

The overwhelming response was phenomenal from businesses who understood the importance of celebrating the children and young people’s success stories. This financial support resulted in an impressive £4,500 being raised through local business sponsorship, with Complete Remedial Solutions Ltd being the overall sponsor of the event.

The Corporate Parenting Board were able to successfully secure sponsorship for the following individual awards:

• The main event sponsor -  Complete Remedial Solutions Ltd
• Event design sponsor – United Graphic Design ltd
• Make a difference Award – Staedtler
• Super Skill Award – Awen Cultural Trust
• Achievement to Learn Award – Recruit2schools ltd
• Voice of the Child Award – Valleys to Coast
• Preparing for Independence – Wales & West Housing

Alongside these donations, local design agency, United Graphic Design, designed and created some fantastic stand out branding for free, for the Children’s Achievement Awards. The awards were also supported by local retailers who donated some wonderful gifts.

Steve Berry, Corporate Parenting & Participation Officer said: “From the generous donations and sponsorship our children and young people were able to experience a fun packed day to enjoy with their foster carers and guests. There was a whole host of activities to take part in, along with fantastic food, and they were presented with a custom designed award certificate and a goodie bag.

“I would like to wholeheartedly thank all the individuals and businesses who raised funds and provided sponsorship to make the day possible. I would also like to acknowledge our staff team who were involved in nominating the children, helping with all the planning beforehand and those involved on the day. All the hard work over the last few months was all worth it when you saw the beaming smiles on the children and young people’s faces and the noticeable pride from the carers as the children and young people received their awards!”

One Foster Carer said of the day: “It was a brilliant day; I know my boy loved every moment. He had a fantastic time, and was made up with his certificate, it really made him feel proud of himself and has boosted his confidence. There was a positive atmosphere all day. Thank you!”

In addition to the generosity of businesses, members of the council’s Children's Services went above and beyond to support the awards and were key players in raising funds of £4,350, through a variety of ways. These fundraising events included individuals from both the North Locality Hub team and the Care Experienced Children’s Team who undertook a sponsored Pen-Y-Fan walk, the Care Experienced Team who did a sponsored silence, the Multiagency Safeguarding Hub held a cake sale, and the 16+ team continued raising funds through setting up a tuckshop at the civic centre for staff.

It was not just the efforts of the local community and children’s services that made this day possible, but the foster carers and professionals, who have supported their children and young people to fulfil these achievements.

In recognition of these individuals a ‘Helping Hand Award’ was created to acknowledge an adult who had made an outstanding contribution to a young person/people during the last year, for example a teacher, social worker, foster carer. Someone who had listened to the needs of a young person and acted, treating them with dignity and respect, and going above and beyond their usual role. The nominations were shortlisted by the Youth Forum, selecting three nominees to be awarded including - Foster Carer Becky Walsh, Residential Worker, Cody O’ Brian, and Dewis Accommodation Officer, Julie Jones.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Social Services, Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Jane Gebbie said: “The importance of these awards for the care experienced children and young people in Bridgend County Borough, was at the forefront of every single business and individual who contributed through sponsorship, fundraising and donations.

“Celebrating every single child and young person in this way, whilst recognising their achievements, is a great approach in ensuring they feel valued and confident in their abilities. It was incredibly special to witness the pride the children and young people expressed at winning their awards, alongside their foster carers and guests. Hopefully, the day will reinforce in the children and young people what is possible and be a reminder of what they have already achieved.

“I wish to thank everyone involved in raising the funds to make this possible, and for all the hard work and determination in ensuring the Corporate Parenting Board were able to give the children and young people a day to remember.”

If you would like to learn more about the Corporate Parenting Boards work with Children and Young People in Bridgend County Borough Council, please visit: https://www.bridgend.gov.uk/media/ndgnsudl/bridgend-corporate-parenting-strategy-eng.pdf