The achievements of Swansea’s Looked After Children have been celebrated at a special awards ceremony.
More than 200 professionals, dignitaries, foster carers, family members and friends gathered at the Liberty Stadium to recognise and applaud the youngsters who are or have been cared for by the local authority.
Achievements recognised ranged from rescuing a relative in the snow to improving fishing skills and moving on to successful independent living.
Michael, aged 16, won the Greatest Positive Change Award after being nominated by his foster mum.
He performed on the drums at the ceremony – part of his new found lust for life.
He said: “I am really happy where I am now. It was great to be recognised but what meant more was being nominated by my foster mum for the award. It meant a lot to know that she sees the positive side to me too.”
His foster mum Rebecca said: “He has only been with us since the start of the year but he has really turned his attitude around. The change in him, which is all down to him, is unbelievable and I am glad we had the chance to tell him how proud we are of him for that.”
As well as Michael’s drumming performance a group of youngsters known as the LAC dance group (pictured) put on a Britain’s Got Talent worthy performance. The youngsters in care choreographed their own routine in just seven weeks even though many group had never danced before let alone performed in front of over 200 people.
This is the second year the awards have been held and nominations have doubled this year following the success and impact of last year’s event.
Nominations for the awards came from social workers, carers, support workers, volunteers, friends, family, teachers, youth workers, and other young people.
There are more than 500 children here who are looked after by Swansea Council’s social services in foster care, with family/friend carers, in a residential home, or in an out of county placement.
Swansea Council Cabinet member for social services Cllr Nick Tregoning said: “Once again I have been impressed with what looked after children in Swansea have achieved. No one should write these young people off.
“Despite huge challenges they have risen to the occasion and achieved much.
“I am confident that they will go on to achieve more in times to come. The people of Swansea should be proud of them.”
