Now in it’s third year, the H.E.R.T.S Awards is a celebration event run by the council for all young people who are looked after to encourage and inspire them to overcome personal adversity, realise their potential and acknowledge their success. This initiative stems from the council’s responsibility to help every child to achieve the highest educational standards he or she possibly can. This includes supporting their aspirations to achieving further and higher education, hence the motto devised for this event by a group of young people: ‘Hertfordshire Encouraging a Road to Success’
In his capacity as Community Liaison Officer, Paul McCrea has worked closely with Hertfordshire County Council for three years. Paul comments: “As part of our commitment to working with local communities and creating employment initiatives in Hertfordshire, Durkan Group has seen the benefit of supporting the Care Leavers Team. Time and time again I have been impressed by the determination and resolve shown by some of the young people from care. They are ambitious and deserve the chance to overcome the adversity they face in life and to be a success. In addition to the bursaries awarded, Durkan Group has also supported two young care leavers into Modern Apprenticeships.”
Nominations to receive the bursary are made by foster carers, school teachers and other social workers based on levels of achievement as agreed by the young people’s working party. Bronze, Silver and Gold awards were awarded to those children who had achieved targets set to stretch their achievment levels, while the independently sponsored bursaries are awarded to looked after young people who show their exceptional commitment, skill or talent in a particular area.
Paul McCrea continues: “The HERTS are so much more than just awards. The event allows the children to interact with others from a similar background which helps them realise that they are not alone in their particular life circumstance. It is their moment to feel proud of their personal achievements over the last year, which will spur them on to do better in future. Durkan Group is proud to be associated with the HERTS Awards and we will show our support again at next years event.”
Actor/comedian Melvyn Hayes, better know for his portrayal of Gunner 'Gloria' Beaumont in the 1970’s BBC1 hit ‘It Ain’t Half Hot Mum’ was the master of ceremony. A foster carer himself, he was well suited to offer the children well considered words of encouragement.
Councillor Bryan Hammond, Chairman of Hertfordshire County Council awarded a series of ‘Good Citizenship’ certificates at the awards. He said: “Hertfordshire County Council is committed to encouraging good citizenship within the county community. We are delighted to recognise those children who have shown significant neighbourly behaviour.”
Felicity Evans, Corporate Parenting Officer for the Council said: “This event has been overwhelmingly well received and has proved to be a highlight in the annual calendar for not only the young people we look after but also staff throughout Hertfordshire County Council and our partner agencies. In the last three years the awards has doubled year on year thanks to the Durkan Group who have encouraged other companies to offer their support.”
The good work done by the Children, Schools & Families department at the Herts County Council is in the testimony of the many children who were previously in care, and who have since pursued careers in social services themselves as psychologists, social workers and teachers amongst others.
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