Hotshots Awards celebrate achievements of young in care
The achievements of children and young people in care have been celebrated at the Hotshots Awards ceremony held in Telford and Wrekin.
More than 150 children and young people, who are either in care or have left care, from across the borough attended this year’s ceremony which was held at The Whitehouse Hotel, Wellington.
Councillor Paul Watling, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for Children, Young People and Families, opened the event.
Councillor Watling said: "This fantastic event which recognises the achievement of young people in care or who have left care highlighted the need for all those working with children in care to inspire high aspiration.
"We know that local government services face difficult times but that this should not deter us from putting the children and young people in greatest need at the centre of our priorities."
The Children and young people were recognised in a range of categories including Personal Achievement, Being Involved, Making Positive Changes, Helping Others and Leisure & Art.
The event was attended by elected members and senior council officers and many were involved in presenting awards to young people who had been nominated by their schools, carers and /or the professionals who support them.
This year’s event included a photographic competition where the children and young people were asked to submit photos they had taken on a theme of ‘Nature, Landscape, Animals’.
This competition, kindly sponsored by Tristan King at Voodoo Design, produced some outstanding and creative entries.
The age group winners were presented with a professionally produced mock magazine cover featuring their winning photograph.
The prestigious "Hot Shot" Award for outstanding achievement was presented by Jim Collins (Assistant Director for Education and Corporate Parenting).
This year’s recipient received an engraved trophy and a prize of a Balloon Flight, kindly donated by Virgin Balloon Flight, to emphasise the theme of inspiring high aspiration.
Those attending were entertained by an original piece of drama, written, produced and performed by young people mentored by the 2Engage Performing Arts Company.
Their performance highlighted the barriers to learning that many young people face today. Young people also addressed the audience and gave moving insights to the challenging circumstances that have faced them.
Laura Johnston, the council’s Director of Children and Family Services, closed the awards ceremony and spoke about the inspiration that the children and young people give to those that are working with them.
This is the thirteenth year that Telford & Wrekin Council has held a ceremony to celebrate the achievements of children and young people in care.
