Image Credit: Kirklees Council

By KLTV Newsdesk –

Achieve Awards 2025 shine a spotlight on resilience, talent and community spirit

Kirklees Council joined young people in care to celebrate their exceptional achievements at the Achieve Awards 2025.

The annual event recognised accomplishments across a range of categories, including personal achievement, academic success, community contribution and acts of going above and beyond.

This year’s ceremony was hosted by a local care leaver, whose insight and experience added a meaningful and personal touch to the evening.

Celebrating Determination and Talent

The awards emphasised the importance of supporting children and young adults in care, recognising not only their achievements but the challenges many have overcome.

Special guests included Councillor Viv Kendrick, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, and Councillor Munir Ahmed, Deputy Mayor of Kirklees, who together presented the awards.

Cllr Kendrick said: “It was an absolute pleasure to attend this year’s event and ensure our young people know how much they are valued.

“Being in care can bring its challenges, so we want to remove any barriers to success and give them the very best life chances.

“The council does excellent work in this area, providing opportunities which boost confidence and open up new horizons.

“We’re proud of our children and young people, and preparing our care leavers for independence remains a high priority.”

Among this year’s winners was a passionate advocate who had visited Parliament to speak with MPs about encouraging large organisations to employ care leavers, a powerful example of what determination can achieve.

Another young person was recognised for her exceptional talent in ice skating, while a former care leaver showcased her thriving handmade jewellery business at the event.

What began as a personal hobby has grown into a successful small enterprise, showing how creativity and commitment can lead to independence.

Voices of Experience

The evening featured an inspirational speech from a care leaver who shared personal reflections on transitioning from care into adulthood, offering valuable insight into the challenges faced by many young people.

Members of the Kirklees Care Leavers football team also took to the stage, celebrating their progress and achievements over the past year.

National Care Leavers Month 2025

The Achieve Awards form a key part of National Care Leavers Month 2025. Throughout the month, Kirklees Council stands alongside organisations across the UK in recognising the potential of care-experienced young people.

The campaign also promotes access to essential support, including education, training, housing and wellbeing services.

Community Support and Future Opportunities

The Achieve Awards are funded through a charitable trust that remains open to donations, ensuring that young people in care across Kirklees continue to be recognised and celebrated. Contributions can be made via the Huddersfield Town Foundation website.

This year’s event was made possible through the generosity of local businesses and partners, including West Yorkshire 360 Photo Booth, Chyv’s Kitchen, David Bignall Caricaturist and photographer Angela Allen.

Also in attendance was the national organisation Rees Foundation, which shared details about the support it provides for care leavers.