The amazing achievements of children and young people in care, care leavers and children in kinship care, across West Sussex have been celebrated at the annual Exceptional People in Care (EPIC) awards.
More than 650 children and young people, carers, volunteers, and West Sussex County Council staff took part in the event yesterday (Sunday 7 July), which featured an awards ceremony as well as a host of art, music and sensory activities.
The event was hosted at Butlins Leisure Centre, Bognor Regis and the venue was transformed to capture the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, with decorations inspired by this year’s theme; ‘A night at the movies’.
The theme was chosen by the Children in Care Council, who helped organise the awards and host the ceremony.
Awards and prizes were handed out for categories including Big Hearts, Big Thinker, and Big Strength winners, Children we care for Young Person of the Year 2024, Best Foster Sibling 2024, and Best Kinship Carer 2024.
Winners included a young person in care who was commended for their hard work and effort since starting their GCSEs this academic year. They have excelled in English and Health and Social Care and received Grade 8s in mock exams and course work, as well as a Level 2 Distinction.
Another winner devised a sponsored sleep-out for a homeless shelter which she set up and organised herself.
This year's Big Thinker award winner said: “It felt fantastic to have won the ‘Big Thinkers’ award and to be given recognition for my hard work at school along with supporting others. I felt proud of myself and happy to have won the hamper!”
Cllr Jacquie Russell, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “It was a privilege to attend the Exceptional People in Care Awards, to spend time with the children we care for and our care leavers. I am incredibly proud of all our children and young people and it is so important that we recognise and celebrate their successes. The awards highlight the important work of our teams in children’s services, who are focused on putting children first in everything they do and supporting young people to fulfil their potential.”
The next EPIC awards will be in July 2025 and we’re looking for sponsors. If you’d like to support this amazing event through sponsorship, please email us at voice@westsussex.gov.uk
