FtSE Member News: St Christopher's Annual awards help young people achieve their dreams

The winners of this year's Hickinbotham Awards have been announced and awarded with grants that will enable them to work towards their future goals.

The Hickinbotham Awards take place every year and young people from across St Christopher's fostering, children's homes and leaving care services can enter. They were created in 2012 by Tony Hickinbotham, a previous Chair of the organisation. He and his wife Susan wanted to support young people by making a real difference to their futures. This year six winners have received backing to help them achieve their goals.

Robbie lives at a children's home on the Isle of Man. As part of his application he put himself out there by sending a song to show why he deserved music production software. He performed at the island's Deep South Music Festival earlier in 2016 and with his new equipment he can work towards his dream of a career in music.

Melody lives at a 16+ supported housing service in London. She has been awarded money to buy equipment to support her hairdressing apprenticeship.

Alisha lives at one of our Safe Steps homes. She put in an application for funds to purchase sewing equipment. With this award she can now work towards setting up her own fashion label, White Panther.

Emily from a 16+ service requested make-up and equipment to support her college course. The supplies will help her to complete the media make-up course and prepare her for securing employment in the future.

Craig, who lives at a 16+ service, has been awarded a grant to pay for driving lessons and a driving test so that he can carry on pursuing his ambition to become a gardener.

Ellie also lives at a 16+ service and is over the moon with her award. She has received funding to attend a tattooing course so that she can make the most of her artistic skills.

Ellie said: "Thank you so much. This is just what I needed, it has really motivated me to start putting things into place so I can have the life that I want. I am so grateful for this opportunity – without this award I would never ever have a chance of getting this work experience. It's like a dream."

Thank you to all the members of staff who supported the young people with applications this year.

Source:
http://www.stchris.org.uk

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