On Friday 19 November our Virtual School hosted The Awards for Cared for Children, celebrating the achievements of local, cared for children in an online awards ceremony. This year’s special guest speaker was iconic sportsperson, Kriss Akabusi, MBE.  

The event was organised and hosted by our Virtual School with support from Sound Communities on behalf of Torbay Children’s Services, with support from TDA who sponsored the trophies.  

Cllr Cordelia Law, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Torbay Council said; “The Awards for Cared for Children plays an important role in our journey in becoming a more Child Friendly Torbay. As corporate parent, we take pride in celebrating the successes of our cared for children alongside overcoming obstacles and recognising emotional growth and awareness. Inclusivity has always been at the heart of The Awards, it is so important to us that every child feels valued and acknowledged.” 

As per the previous year, The Awards took place via zoom, complete with virtual bingo and disco to add to the celebrations. Organisers hope to resume in-person celebrations next year.  

This year’s special guest speaker, Kriss Akabusi, MBE said; “I engaged primarily with the event because it was an opportunity to publicly celebrate the success of cared for children. From my time as a sportsperson, I know how much of an uplift it brought to my performance when I had public acclaim and of course my first Mentor, Sgt Mackenzie did just that. I was buzzing after the event and I hope the young people were too! “    

Torbay Children’s Services are still currently looking for a wide range of new foster carers to care for local, vulnerable children who are unable to live with their birth families. Torbay foster carers are financially supported with an allowance to meet the needs of the foster child and receive training and ongoing support from a dedicated fostering Social Worker and an experienced foster carer as a mentor.    

This is the perfect time to make a positive life change with child fostering if you are considering a new work/life balance. If you have flexible working hours, a spare room, and a kind heart, you could become a Torbay foster carer. If you would like to find out more please get in touch with Torbay Children’s Services on 01803 207845 or email fostering@torbay.gov.uk.