20/11/2008 - Council chamber rocks to sound of looked after children

A group of looked after children in Cumbria had county councillors up on their feet singing today as part of a celebration of their achievements.

As well as showing a series of mini films about their lives, the youngsters also performed 'Every Dream Matters', a song they've professionally recorded and released on CD. 

The looked after youngsters, aged between 12 and 18, will now take their singing exploits to even greater political heights when they have been invited to perform at the Houses of Parliament in London next month to celebrate the new Children's Act.

The young people, under the supervision of Cumbria County Council’s Children’s Services, have been involved in a project run by South Cumbrian based arts company Whitewood and Fleming.

They decided they wanted to write their own song and after months of hard work finally travelled to Liverpool to record Every Dream Matters along with the Preston Community Gospel Choir at studios previously used by Coldplay.

Tim Fleming, Artistic Director at Whitewood and Fleming, said:
"It was a great opportunuity to show our democratically elected members just what's been achieved by some of the children in their county. They have a lot to be proud of and everyone enjoyed the occasion - which ran a lot differently from most council meetings."

ENDS

Media enquiries to Gareth Cosslett, News Manager on 01228 226332