Trust celebrate success of young people in care system

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: Columba O'Hare; Category: News; Published: 21 December 2022

Organisers, Guest Speakers and Award Recipeints Back Row left to right Jonathan McGivern – Operational Service Manager 14+ Anne Marie Bagnall – LAC Education Champion Margaret Guy – VOYPIC Colm McCafferty – Director Children’s Services SHSCT Laura Crilly – Asst Director Human Resources Ronan Boyle – Comedian and MC for the event Claire Meenehan – Skills Manager Give & Take Middle Row left to right Nuala Agnew – Fostering Network Mairead Cullen – Team Leader TASKE Service SHSCT Wendy Vaz – Young Person and award recipient Hannah Coatan – Young person and award recipient Stella Kelly – Interim Asst Director for Corporate Parenting Osama Asharif – Young person and award recipient Front Row Left to right Chelsey McGerr – Award Recipient Victoria Da Paz Monterio – Award Recipient Rose Anne Slane – Vice Principal St. Patrick’s Grammar School, Armagh

The Southern Trust has recently celebrated the successes of care experienced young people with a special recognition event. The 14+ Service supports young people in their journey towards independence, through personal and social development, and by sourcing the education, training and employment opportunities, which best matches their interests, abilities and skills.

Chris Kent 30 October and Blondie Tribute 28 December @ Canal Court Hotel

Trust staff teamed up with the 14+ service user group to organise the event which recognised 75 young people aged 14 to 23 years for their educational, training and employment achievements.

Young people and guests including Social Workers, Foster carers, Personal Assistants and those who have supported them in their achievements enjoyed the evening of hospitality and entertainment. The event was compèred by Ronan Boyle who works for Include Youth and is also a local comedian and entertainer. No stranger to working with and supporting young people, his warm presenting skills and comedic talent had guests laughing and thoroughly enjoying their night.

There are over 600 children and young people in care living in the Southern Trust.

Paying tribute to all involved on the night, Colm McCafferty, Interim Director of Children and Young People’s Services for the Trust said:

“Moving into adulthood can be a challenging experience for many, and for young people in care, there can be additional difficulties. We have a very committed 14 Plus Service, working with the young person to overcome presenting obstacles with the objective of achieving best outcomes.

“I would like to thank our partners in Fostering Network, VOYPIC, Include Youth, Foster carers and all the local schools in helping to organise this event and continued support of our young people.

“We are so proud of all of our young people and are constantly inspired by the numbers engaging well in school, attaining good results and progressing to further education, training and employment. It is an absolute pleasure to celebrate your successes and we wish every one of you the very best for your future.”