Hull City Council is hosting its annual Blue Diamond Awards tomorrow night as it celebrates the successes and achievements of the city’s young people.
The awards are being held ahead of National Care Leavers Week which this year runs from Monday 28 October until Sunday 3 November.
On the back of previous success, the council is also hosting a series of events for care experienced young people both this week and next.
The annual memorial football match, featuring council staff against young people, was held on Tuesday 22 October to remember those who have passed.
This is being followed by the Blue Diamond Awards on Thursday evening, which is sponsored by local businesses and charities – Nurture a Child, Ashcourt Group, Zest Property, KCOM and HEY Creative Hub.
The council’s city centre buildings will also be lit up in blue to show support for those in care and care experienced.
Friday 25 October will see a tree planting event called Positivitrees in Queens Gardens to mark both the 20th anniversary of the Care Leavers National Benchmarking Forum, as well as a quarter of the century of the council’s leaving care team.
Next week’s events include an afternoon tea at Kingston Youth Centre, a karting session at Hull Adventure Centre, an art and craft club and a personal adviser celebration event.
To round off National Care Leavers Week, some care experienced young people from Hull will travel to Birmingham to meet other young people of similar backgrounds from across the country at an annual celebration event.
Cllr Linda Tock, the council’s portfolio holder for children’s services, said: “It’s important that the council supports care leavers. National Care Leavers Week provides them with a range of activities across the city to celebrate their achievements and amplify their voices and experiences of care.
“It is great that they are able to spend time together and have some fun, whilst also highlight the brilliant work going into support them.”
You can find out more advice and support for care leavers in Hull on the council’s website here or at leavingcarehull.org.uk.
