Bootle Town Hall rolled out the red carpet last Friday for the inaugural Sefton Superstar Awards for cared for children to celebrate some truly inspirational achievements.

After hundreds of nominations, the event saw those children and young people shortlisted for awards attend with their families and carers to celebrate each other’s achievements in categories ranging from Sportsperson of the Year to Unsung Hero.

Inspirational

Sefton’s superstars were treated to performances from Linaker Primary School Choir and St Benedict’s Primary School Choir as well as theatre group Dramatic Recovery, performers Sefton Aiming for the Stars and a live set from local band The Dawn.

Compèred masterfully by Joanne Lee, a care experienced person from Sefton, everyone had a brilliant evening filled with live music, celebration and lots of clapping!

"What a night!"

Dr Risthardh Hare, Director for Children’s Services, Sefton Council said: “What a night celebrating the amazing achievements of our talented bunch of kids! We received so many nominations from across Sefton with some truly inspirational stories shared; it was so hard to choose our winners.

“Events like these give us a chance to show our kids how proud we are of everything they achieve, with many of them overcoming challenging times in their lives and still shining in sports, drama, music, education and our community.

“I am proud of all our young people after tonight and I am convinced that this is not the last awards ceremony many of our young people will be attending in their lives!”

Great achievements

As well as a shiny trophy for the winners, all shortlisted children and young people received a certificate and voucher and everyone who got nominated got a voucher too to celebrate the great achievements they are making in their lives. The event was pulled together by social care teams and the Virtual School.

The Superstar Awards will be held annually for cared for children in Sefton and hope to be even bigger and better next year. The Council will also be holding a similar event for older care experienced young people later in the year to recognise the achievements they are making as they navigate early adult life.