We are delighted to announce that our Grandmentors team won the Leaving Care Award at The National Children and Young People’s Awards. Hosted by Care Talk Magazine at the ICC in Birmingham, the awards took place on 6 October 2022.
We had two of our programmes shortlisted in separate categories; the Biggest Impact Award and the Leaving Care Award.We’re immensely proud that our Grandmentors programme won the Leaving Care Award!
The Leaving Care Award recognises excellence in helping the transition from care into adulthood, equipping young people leaving care to have the best possible start as they enter independent living.
On announcing the Winner, the judges said:
“This inspiring initiative bridges generations to ensure that young people today learn from the experts from yesterday.”
Operating across 12 communities in the UK, our Grandmentors volunteers empower young people leaving care by meeting with them regularly and working with them to realise their life goals and ambitions. This is all done through the power of intergenerational volunteering. Last year, 364 mentors were recruited and trained, with 289 care leavers supported by staff and mentors, focussing on finance, employment, education, training, housing, health and well-being.
Representing our Grandmentors programme at the awards were staff, volunteer mentors and mentees from across the programme. The award was accepted on behalf of the wider team by mentees from Ipswich alongside staff members.
‘I was privileged to attend such a wonderful event with such a vibrant atmosphere. It was a great opportunity for our young people to be highlighted and their journeys to be recognised.’ – Morgan Scott-Chantry, Engagement Manager, Grandmentors Ipswich
‘It was utter exuberance to hear Grandmentors be called as the winner of the Leaving Care Team award and even more so to see three young people jump for joy as they accepted the award. Incredible to see the Grandmentors programme recognised nationally and to see that we continue to bring young people and volunteers to the table wherever we go. It is not just mentoring, but a movement, and we are so happy to be driving it within our communities to create grass root change.’ – Amber Plumbly, Delivery Lead, East of England
‘I was happy it’s amazing day for me thank you to get me there. I’m so glad we won award.’
‘We were so glad to be there to represent Volunteering Matters from Ipswich Grandmentors and we are so proud to be a part of the project and happy to see it get an award as having a mentor has made a huge difference to our lives.’ – Mentees, Aboulqasim and Eyob
We could not be more proud of the Grandmentors team, staff and volunteers, recognised for the unwavering time, energy, and commitment they dedicate to improving the lives of young care leavers. This award also celebrates the bravery of the young care leavers who are so willing to engage with and learn from a generation older than them.
Heartfelt thank you to everyone involved, including our funders, for their continued support in helping Grandmentors become a valuable community resource, that removes barriers to ensure the best possible outcome for young care leavers.
Shortlisted for the Biggest Impact Award was our Family Mentors and Family Supporters programme. Operating in four locations across the UK, the programme empowers families by matching them with volunteers so that together they can create a six-month plan to improve the quality of their family life.
Representing our wider Family Mentors Team: Jacki Simpson, Cathie Turner, Susan Parr, Doina Pana
The award was won by Children’s Services at the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Massive congratulations to our wonderful Family Mentors and Family Supporters team on being shorlisted.
If you would like more information about these unique awards, click this link.
