Merton hosted its own Oscars style awards ceremony on Friday 14th of March, but this time, the recipients of the awards were Merton’s young people in care and care leavers. This was the second time that Children’s Services has run the event to recognise the achievements of young people in their care.

A group of young people worked with Children’s Services to help plan the event, find and organise celebrities to attend and the disco was provided by an ex care leaver afterwards. The night proved to be one to remember, with everyone, enjoying the festivities and taking the opportunity to celebrate their success.

The guests were treated to a sumptuous three-course dinner held at the All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon. DJ Luck and MC Neat from Kiss FM were on hand to help Councillor Maxi Martin, Cabinet Member for Care Services, present the awards to 36 young people aged 12 and over for achievements in the past year.

Awards were presented in the categories of Education, Personal Progress, Creative Arts and Sports and achievements ranged from obtaining good exam results, to success in swimming and playing musical instruments.

Following speeches from the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Mary Dunn; Rea Mattocks, Director of Housing and Social Services, and the Cabinet Member for Care Services, Cllr Maxi Martin all congratulating the young people on their achievements the evening was rounded of by dancing.

Cllr Maxi Martin, who has championed the cause of children in care and care leavers, said of the event “We are very proud of all the things that the young people we care for have achieved, often in very difficult circumstances. These young people are a credit to themselves and thoroughly deserve their awards and recognition through this Awards Ceremony.”

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