Union brings national award

The Rotherham Titans Community Foundation and Rotherham MBC's 'Get Real Team' have both seen their work with those in care and care leavers recognised with two category victories at the 'Keep Dreaming' National Leaving Care Awards 2010.

The 'Get Real Team' won the 'Outstanding Support in Education Award' while the Titans Community Foundation scooped the top award in the 'Outstanding Independent Provider' category.

Representatives from the Foundation and Team were presented with the awards at a recent ceremony.

The awards have been received for an innovative programme including sports based courses for young people who are in care in Rotherham provided by the two organisations. The activity sessions are run by players from the Rotherham Titans rugby team in partnership with the Get Real Team, and include a variety of outside and indoor games, team building exercises, computer and ICT sessions, mental agility tasks and visits to Sheffield University to look at life in higher education.

Councillor Paul Lakin, Cabinet Member for Safeguarding and Developing Learning Opportunities for Children, said: "This is an award which rightly recognises the excellent work that the Rotherham Titans and the Get Real Team do with our young people. Being in care can have a major impact on a young person's education and leaving care can also be a challenging time so the extra support provided to them through projects like this is vital.

"The Get Real Team often go the extra mile and go out of their way to help not only children in their care, but also to lend a hand to other organisations working with those young people."

Richard Finney, from the Rotherham Titans Community Foundation, says that the project really does work and makes a difference: "The aim of the project is to encourage the children and young people to raise their aspirations and believe in themselves. If we can help them improve their self esteem and self confidence then it's more likely they will seek out career opportunities or aim for higher education".

The project is funded by BBC Children in Need and delivered in partnership with Sheffield University. It has also been supported by HSBC, Rotherham College of Arts and Technology and Dearne Valley College.

Martin Smith, manager of the Get Real Team, said: "We are delighted to receive recognition for the hard work, innovation and commitment of the team."  

"We are very proud of our partnership working, together we have been able to  make a real difference in young people's lives.  The collaboration has also provided an opportunity to raise awareness and understanding of the issues facing Looked after Children among our partner organisations. 

The awards are organised by the The Care Leavers' Foundation and Care Matters Partnership and aim to celebrate the wide ranging talents and abilities of care leavers and to reward the exceptional support they have received from professionals and carers.