Community ‘diamonds’ awards

Cheshire East Council and its partners have launched their first Early Help awards – aimed at recognising and celebrating individuals and organisations offering early support to children and families – helping them from going into crisis.

Early help can be described as: getting involved early and as soon as possible to tackle problems emerging for children, young people and their families.

Issues such as debt, poor mental health or threat of homelessness can happen to families at any point in a child or young person’s life.

The council is a member of the Cheshire East Children and Young People’s Trust which is a partnership of organisations who are responsible for services for children, young people and families, including the NHS and police. The trust promotes and supports good parenting and the funding of services that give help to families early as they start to experience difficulties.

The first Early Help awards ceremony is planned for 7 October 2021. It aims to be inclusive and celebrate the achievements and efforts of both individuals and organisations in nine categories including health, education, unsung hero and outstanding achievement.

The council has also enlisted the help of children and young people who have named the first ceremony ‘The Diamond Awards’ with the word ‘diamond’ standing for individuals/organisations who are:

• Dedicated
• Inspiring
• Above and beyond
• Make a difference
• One in a million
• Never give up; and
• Develop relationships

Nominations are now open with a deadline of 17 September 2021.  Families and organisations can nominate a school, nursery, health professional, charity or community group online at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/diamond or by requesting a nomination form at EHAnominations@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Councillor Kathryn Flavell, lead member for children and families at Cheshire East Council said: “Our priority is to be a council which empowers and cares about people, working together with residents and partners to support people and communities to be strong and resilient.

“We are in a great position in that we have strong communities, excellent schools and good opportunities for work and training across the borough. We want every child and their family to get the help and support they need to succeed as early as possible. Early help can make the biggest difference when it is given before things go wrong, from individuals, communities and the right professional support.

“As we start to recover from this pandemic, we want to recognise and celebrate all those who have helped children, young people and their families to stay safe, healthy and thrive and I encourage nominations from every corner of the community.”