Gateshead children's teams and foster carers win at national awards
Gateshead children's teams and foster carers were recognised for their outstanding achievements at this year's National Children and Young People Awards.
On Saturday 21 October, the awards paid tribute to individuals and organisations up and down the country who provide exceptional care for children, young people and families. We were delighted to have four nominations across several categories.
Two of our foster carers, Steve and Helen, won the Foster Carer Award for their dedication to the children they support, putting them at the heart of everything they do. The couple have been fostering a sibling group of three for the past four years; two sisters and a brother. Helen and Steve ensure the siblings enjoy lots of activities together and individually, as well as supporting them with their medical needs. The judges commented: "Your dedication to these young individuals has allowed them the opportunity to stay together as siblings, allowing them a life they might never have otherwise experienced."
Our Kinship Care team, who support children and young people looked after by family members or family friends, were winners in the Biggest Impact Award for their efforts to promote positive change in the lives of children and families. In the short time since the team was established in 2021, they have continuously looked for ways to improve the service, including setting up an advisory board to ensure children's and carer's views are heard. The judges said: "The team's unwavering passion and dedication toward their shared vision are evident as they collaborate with individuals who have experienced profound trauma, guiding them in processing and comprehending their circumstances."
Our Social Work Academy which supports newly qualified social workers was highly commended in the Biggest Impact Award category too. The success of the academy is attributed to colleagues' unwavering commitment, embodiment of social work values and championing of the importance of relationships.
Individually, Phoebe Swan, a member of our Safeguarding team, was also nominated as one of only 10 finalists in the Newcomer Award category.
Gary Haley, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Gateshead Council, said: "I'm incredibly proud of the colleagues recognised as part of these prestigious national awards. To be highlighted as amongst the best in the country is testament to the hard work they do day in, day out to help families and children within Gateshead."
Gateshead children's teams and foster carers were recognised for their outstanding achievements at this year's National Children and Young People Awards.
On Saturday 21 October, the awards paid tribute to individuals and organisations up and down the country who provide exceptional care for children, young people and families. We were delighted to have four nominations across several categories.
Two of our foster carers, Steve and Helen, won the Foster Carer Award for their dedication to the children they support, putting them at the heart of everything they do. The couple have been fostering a sibling group of three for the past four years; two sisters and a brother. Helen and Steve ensure the siblings enjoy lots of activities together and individually, as well as supporting them with their medical needs. The judges commented: "Your dedication to these young individuals has allowed them the opportunity to stay together as siblings, allowing them a life they might never have otherwise experienced."
Our Kinship Care team, who support children and young people looked after by family members or family friends, were winners in the Biggest Impact Award for their efforts to promote positive change in the lives of children and families. In the short time since the team was established in 2021, they have continuously looked for ways to improve the service, including setting up an advisory board to ensure children's and carer's views are heard. The judges said: "The team's unwavering passion and dedication toward their shared vision are evident as they collaborate with individuals who have experienced profound trauma, guiding them in processing and comprehending their circumstances."
Our Social Work Academy which supports newly qualified social workers was highly commended in the Biggest Impact Award category too. The success of the academy is attributed to colleagues' unwavering commitment, embodiment of social work values and championing of the importance of relationships.
Individually, Phoebe Swan, a member of our Safeguarding team, was also nominated as one of only 10 finalists in the Newcomer Award category.
Gary Haley, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Gateshead Council, said: "I'm incredibly proud of the colleagues recognised as part of these prestigious national awards. To be highlighted as amongst the best in the country is testament to the hard work they do day in, day out to help families and children within Gateshead."
