Care Experienced Young People Take Centre Stage at Include Youth Celebration Event
Include Youth recently brought together care-experienced young people from across eight offices for a special celebration event as part of National Care Leavers Month, recognising their achievements, resilience and the positive impact they are making in their communities.
The event embraced this year's National Care Leavers Month theme, "Leading The Way: From Experience to Empowerment", which recognises how care experienced individuals become leaders in their own lives while driving meaningful change for others.
Young people from across Include Youth's programmes came together for a day dedicated to celebrating their successes, personal growth and future aspirations. Hosted by comedian Andrew Ryan at the Belfast Harbour Commission, the event was filled with energy, laughter and pride, creating a memorable experience for everyone attending.
The celebration featured interactive games, a photo booth, arts and crafts activities, prizes and opportunities for young people to create keepsakes to take home. Inspirational speakers with care experience shared their personal journeys, highlighting the achievements they have made and the challenges they have overcome, while demonstrating what is possible with the right support and opportunities.
A youth panel also reflected on their accomplishments and future ambitions, showcasing the determination, talent and resilience of care-experienced young people. One of the highlights of the day was the awards ceremony, were young people took to the red carpet to receive certificates from the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly, recognising their hard work, progress and achievements across Include Youth's programmes.
The event also brought together a range of partners and supporters who have played a role in helping young people achieve their goals. Include Youth extends its sincere thanks to event sponsors Henderson Group, GRAHAM construction, VANRATH and Belfast International Airport, whose support helped make this special celebration possible.
Speaking about the event, a spokesperson for Include Youth said:
"National Care Leavers Month is an opportunity to celebrate the incredible achievements of care-experienced young people and recognise the strengths, talents and leadership they demonstrate every day.
This year's theme, Leading The Way: From Experience to Empowerment, perfectly reflects the journeys of so many of the young people we support. Their experiences have helped shape their resilience, determination and ambition, and we are proud to celebrate all they have achieved.
Bringing together young people from across our eight offices created an opportunity not only to recognise success, but also to connect, inspire and encourage one another. It was wonderful to see young people celebrated for who they are and everything they have accomplished."
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly, said: “It’s been both a joy and an honour to present certificates to these inspirational young people. “Thanks to their resilience, commitment and talent - as well as support from Include Youth - these care-experienced young leaders have built their self-confidence, developed really important skills and are now on the way to getting the best out of living independently. “Guím todhchaí mhaith agus shásúil orthu uilig.
“I wish them all a bright and rewarding future.”
The atmosphere throughout the day was electric, with young people at the heart of every moment. Filled with laughter, encouragement and celebration, the event created a space where care experienced young people felt valued, seen and supported. It was a powerful celebration of their achievements and a reminder of the importance of creating spaces where care-experienced young people feel valued, seen, supported and empowered to thrive.