APG Christmas reception 2009
The Associate Parliamentary Group (APG) for Looked After Children and Care Leavers held a reception on 8 December to thank its supporters and celebrate the achievements of the past year. The guests, including more than 70 young people in and from care, were given a unique opportunity to see inside the Speaker's State Apartments.
The venue was reminiscent of Hogwarts with its gothic stone corridors, grand staircase rising between walls crammed with portraits plus a roaring fire and enormous, intricately decorated Chrismas tree. Guests were entertained by an enchanting magician and live music.
The Speaker, John Bercow MP, spoke passionately about the importance of getting young people interested and involved in politics. Helen Southworth MP, the Chair of the APG, outlined the group's important achievements over the past year and its aspirations for the future, and Children's Minister Dawn Primarolo spoke about the government's commitment to improving the lives of looked after children.
"I enjoyed the day hugely. It was wonderful to see what the young people from Supported Fostering Services got from the day. To see [name] go from solitary chatting on her mobile in the corner to conversing confidently with the speaker, Edward Timpson, Lord Listowel and giving Andrea Warman a hug at the end was inspiring for a grizzled old social work manager such as myself."
Alan Fisher, Director of Care, Supported Fostering Services
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| Amadou Bah steals the show with an inspirational speech | Dawn Primarolo congratulates our wonderful young singer |
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| Helen Southworth MP talks to guests from Voice | Dawn Primarolo speaks to Delma Hughes from Siblings Together |
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| The Speaker's beautiful Christmas tree | Trust Chief Executive Natasha Finlayson with David Kidney MP |
If you attended the event and would like photographs, please contact Jemma