A Night at the Oscars’ - Celebrating Havering Children in Care and Care Leavers
More than 200 guests attended the first Havering Council Children in care and Care leavers awards.
The event was organised by Havering Council and attended by children in care, care leavers and foster carers who celebrated the academic, aspirational and personal achievements of young people who have been, or are in, care. ‘A Night at the Oscars’ was the glamorous theme for the event, which was held at the City Pavilion, Collier Row, on Thursday 20 July.
Tim Aldridge, Director of Havering Children’s Services, opened the event, which was co-hosted by care Leavers Daniel Ajiboye and Olivia Freeman.
The evening also showcased song and dance performances by some of Havering’s children in care and care leavers. Dance pupils from Abbs Cross Academy and Arts College treated the audience, which also included Havering Mayor Cllr Linda Van den Hende, to a sequence of sensational performances. Councillor Gillian Ford closed the evening’s celebrations to a congratulatory reception.
Wendy Jackson, Havering foster carer, said:
“It was an fantastic evening for children in care and care leavers. The awards ceremony, a first of its kind, supports children living in care to feel valued. It showcased their contributions to school, the community and highlighted their personal achievements.”
Councillor Robert Benham, Cabinet Member for Children and Learning Services, said:
“Havering Council is striving to improve outcomes for children in care and care leavers. By launching the awards, it showcases the incredible accomplishments achieved by Havering Children in care and care leavers.