Bury St Edmunds care leaver wins Outstanding Achievement by Young People Award at this year's Fostering Excellence Award
A Suffolk care leaver has won a prestigious fostering award at this year's Fostering Excellence Awards in Birmingham.
Charlotte, 21, from Bury St Edmunds, won the Outstanding Achievement by Young People Award which is one of the UK’s most prestigious fostering accolades.
Charlotte who entered care aged 13, won the award for her dedication to ensuring that voices of young people in care and care leavers are heard.
She has put her all into supporting Suffolk fostering service, including helping with staff recruitment, training, and events.
Earlier this year, Charlotte organised the Suffolk Care Fare where she brought together children in care, their carers, care leavers, and all teams and organisations across Suffolk for a day of celebration and activities. The day was such a big success that Suffolk Fostering Service plan to make it an annual event and Charlotte has already started the planning for next year.
The care leaver spent her time in care in both foster and children’s homes but now has her own flat and she has gone on to complete a level 3 course in health and social care while also caring for the elderly at a residential home.
Charlotte was nominated by the award by her participation worker, Julia Ilott, who said; “She is an incredible young lady, who despite many challenges and struggles always has a smile on her face. She is a superstar.”
Councillor Stephen Burroughes Deputy Cabinet Member for Children & Young People’s Services said; “Congratulations to Charlotte on winning this prestigious award. I have had the pleasure of working with Charlotte and attended the Care Fare which was brilliant.
"Charlotte has gone above and beyond in supporting Suffolk’s fostering service and her participation in the service is invaluable.
“I am delighted she was recognised amongst all the incredible people who won awards at the Fostering Excellence award. It is very much deserved.”