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Richmond recognises achievements of young people in care at celebration event

Summary:

Over 120 children and young people attended.

By Sean Conner

Richmond council publicly expressed its on-going efforts in improving the welfare of its youth last week.

The council celebrated the achievements of young people in care, in which over 120 children and young people aged between 5-25 years were recognized.

Triumphs in GCSE results, volunteering, and support of their community were just a few to mention, from those who have had a particularly difficult start in life.

Ashley John-Baptiste, who achieved a History degree from the University of Cambridge and found further success on the X-factor as a member of the boy band ‘Risk’ in 2011, attended the event in support as a previous care leaver.

Cllr Paul Hodgins, Richmond Council Cabinet Member for Schools, said the council was delighted to celebrate the achievements of the young people.

“It is with great pleasure that the council is able to publicly say ‘well done’,” he said.

“It’s only right that we celebrate these results, both for the young people, and to acknowledge the support of their families and foster carers.”

The event took place several days after the Kingston and Richmond youth service also announced its success in the recent review of efforts put into tackling youth offenders within the area.

The inspectors highlighted particular strengths in the reduction of the likelihood of offending, and most importantly the engagement of case workers with the young person, to ensure that the sentence is served.

“We have a very effective counsel that are able to work with absolutely amazing young people,” said Councillor Christine Percival.

“We are always very positive about the relationship we maintain with the youth and continue to move from strength to strength.”

Congratulations were also previously issued to GCSE students in August for the fantastic rise in results within the borough.

Alongside this, focus on achievements in musical, artistic and sporting endeavors are promising, with increased funding being provided.

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