Council Leader David Baines says: “I was honoured to speak at today’s celebration of care leavers at St Helens Town Hall.

Following on from the success of last year’s event at which every child leaving care was given a personalised hamper of essential and requested items, it was agreed that it should become an annual event. And after the sudden passing of former St Helens Council Chief Executive Carole Hudson it was proposed that her name be associated with this event to create a lasting legacy of the work she was so passionate about.

Today’s event was organised by Invest St Helens and Council Social Work staff, who work together all year round to improve outcomes for young people. We also had fantastic performances from Cowley International College choir, and support from MD Creatives and Saints Community Development Foundation and Official St.Helens RLFC.

Donations came primarily from members of the St Helens Ambassadors programme. Ambassadors are public, private and voluntary sector organisations who make a commitment to St Helens, and to raising aspiration and ambition. This year, however, the appeal also received donations from the whole St Helens community.

Thanks to these donations, this year a total of 135 Christmas hampers have been created for every single care leaver. Each one is carefully personalised to the young person receiving it, containing special gifts that the young person has requested.

In addition to receiving a hamper, every care leaver has also been invited to enjoy Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. This will be hosted at The Sefton St Helens, and we would like to thank landlord Matty Williams who has provided such great support with this.