A celebration day for Cumbria's looked-after children will take place this weekend... and it's all being run by the children themselves.
The event will be held at the Roundthorn Country Hotel near Penrith on Saturday March 31. Over 70 children and young people - ranging from babies to 19-year-olds - are expected to enjoy the day of awards and celebrations themed around music.
Each of the children attending have been invited to outline what they feel they've achieved over the last year. Certificates of achievement will be presented by actress Helen Flanaghan, who plays Rosie Webster from Coronation Street.
The day will also include a music workshop, where children, foster carers and staff will learn how to compose music using a variety of instruments. Everyone has been invited to dress up as their favourite pop star or group and the day will end with a karaoke and disco.
There will also be a balloon release, where each of the children's achievements is attached to a balloon and released to see how far it will travel - a similar event last year ended up with the winning balloon ending up in Dresden in Germany.
Cllr Philip Chappelhow, cabinet member responsible for children's services, will attend the event. He said:
"There are around 450 looked-after children in the county and many have different stories to tell. This is a great opportunity for them to take stock of how they're getting on and to celebrate their achievements."
Helen Smith, Cumbria County's Council's Head of Child and Family Care, is also attending. She said:
"We hold this event every year, but this year the children themselves have taken a particularly hands-on role in running the day. They've chosen the theme and events - so it should have a real buzz."
ENDS
Media enquiries to Gareth Cosslett, News Manager on 01228 606332
Notes
- Directions to the Roundthorn Country Hotel can be found at www.roundthorn.co.uk.
- The celebration day is an annual event for looked-after children and their carers supported by Cumbria County Council's children's services department.