Somerset Conservative County Councillor Linda Vijeh, Cabinet support member for Children & Families, joined host, BBC Somerset presenter Emma Britton, at the Children Looked After Achievement Awards at Canalside Bridgwater, this week. The annual awards ceremony celebrates those who have managed to overcome the many challenges that children looked after face. There were four categories of award winners - education, courage, helping others and sport.
As parents, carers and support workers joined in the applause, the citations frequently mentioned the courteous, polite and determined approach these youngsters have taken to ensure that they progress by helping others and show all the traits of future leaders.
The event had been organised by members of the Somerset in Care Council and the newly formed Leaving Care Council, who wanted everyone to 'dress for the Oscars'. In addition to a splendid buffet guests were able to enjoy alcohol free cocktails from the bar provided by 'Liquid Faith', fake tattoos, a disco, and their own ice cream van. Not to be outdone, Linda even tried the bouncy castle!
One county council officer said, 'In the 20 years I have been involved with children looked after I have never experienced a councillor with the dedication and involvement of Linda Vijeh. The kids all love her to bits, and it the fact that she does what she does because she wants to, not because she is paid to do so, that makes all the difference.'