Care-Experienced Community Wins Award!
We are so proud of Connect – our exclusive care-experienced ‘community for life’ – as they have now become award-winning!
Connect was announced as the GOLD WINNER of the Technology-Enabled Lives and Innovation in Practice Award at the national Social Worker of the Year Awards 2024.
This was the first time an award for this new category had been presented, making its debut at the annual celebration event in London on Friday 8 November.
It’s also the first time Connect has entered any awards and, not only was it shortlisted from hundreds of other nominees, it was picked as THE most worthy winner!
And it’s all down to the amazing community that Connect members have co-created together!
(L-R) Broadcaster and journalist Ashley John-Baptiste, Headline Sponsor representative Vava Tampa with members of Connect and TACT,
and Awards’ Trustee Jon Glasby. (photo credit: Social Work Awards)
Each award category was judged by an independent panel of social workers, people with lived experience, and senior figures from the world of social work. The judges’ comments explained that Connect was selected as the Gold Winner as they have “used technology to address one of the most challenging times for children in care: the transition to independent living.”
They also gave recognition to TACT for investing in the creation of Connect: “The organisation recognised that transitioning out of foster care was often a daunting and isolating time, and it wanted to provide a lifeline and a supportive community for individuals navigating this. The TACT Connect team has ensured that providing practical, emotional and peer support is integral to the scheme, but they have also included plenty of opportunities for fun.”
What we really feel sums up Connect is the acknowledgement and celebration that Connect has become ‘a family’, a community that offers ‘phenomenal support’ and one that is ‘always there when you need anything’.
At the awards ceremony to hear the announcement and collect the award on stage, were Connect members Timmy and Mahya, Nicola (our Connect Lead), and Christine (TACT Area Manager).
All four of them went up onto the stage to collect the award, led by Timmy who held the trophy with such pride. They were then asked by a photographer to show how they felt about winning the award – and we think this amazing photo of their response says it all:
Here are some highlights of the evening from the Connect members who attended the ceremony…
“I felt a mix of excitement and pride to be part of the event and be part of celebrating some amazing people’s achievements. The atmosphere was incredible – arriving at a grand venue, everyone dressed very smart, networking and exchanging stories of their journeys and achievements. It felt absolutely incredible to be walking away with an award in our hands and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
Mahya, Connect Member
“My favourite part of attending the event was going up first to get the award and representing Connect. Eardrums popped when we were announced as the winner – there was lots of excitement, laughter, and SHOCK! What a great experience to be able to go and have the pleasure of representing Connect and being able to receive the award. Everyone that went can all agree on how good the atmosphere was, and I would highly recommend joining Connect.”
Timmy, Connect Member
Peter Hay CBE, Chair of Trustees for the Social Worker of the Year Awards, said: “The Awards celebrate the very best in social work, showcasing the remarkable achievements of those in the profession. It’s a real honour to highlight the inspiring accomplishments of both individuals and organisations in this often-underappreciated field.”
The question now is: what’s next for Connect?!
Well, they’re already preparing to attend ANOTHER awards ceremony with four of their members on 28th November where Connect has been shortlisted for two more awards, this time in the Children & Young People Now Awards 2024!
We’ve got everything crossed for them!