Five Rivers Chief Executive and Founder wins The Lifetime Achievement Award at Children and Young People Awards
We’re very proud to announce that after 33 years of hard work and incredible dedication and focus, our Chief Executive and Founder, Pam McConnell, was formally recognised when she was awarded The Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Children and Young People Awards last night (Thursday, 6 October). Pam was joined by colleagues from across the country at the award ceremony which took place at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham.
The National Children and Young People Awards recognises the accomplishments from across the social care sector. There were 11 finalists in total in the Lifetime Achievement category, with the award presented to an individual who judges can see has made a long-term outstanding contribution to the lives of vulnerable children, young people and families over their lifetime.
Throughout her career, Pam has trained as a social worker, foster carer, therapist and in 1989, founded Five Rivers Child Care, a social enterprise headquartered in Salisbury. Five Rivers has grown significantly since it began 33 years ago and now has more than 500 staff internationally. We’re proud to have supported thousands of children with adverse childhood experiences through its fostering, education, residential and therapeutic services. As a social enterprise, Five Rivers Child Care reinvests a minimum of 51% of any surplus into services that directly benefit children in care.
Pam McConnell, Founder and Chief Executive at Five Rivers Child Care, said: “What an honour it is to be nominated and to win The Lifetime Achievement Award. It’s important for me to recognise all of the staff, and incredible foster carers, who work alongside me to turn children’s lives around. Five Rivers wouldn’t be what it is today without you all. It was a privilege to be sat beside some amazing nominees and I’d like to congratulate them and recognise the huge difference they have made in their careers.”
“It’s hard to believe it’s been 33 years since Five Rivers Child Care opened its doors, and since then we have been able to help thousands of children in care across England and Ireland. A personal mission of mine has been to raise awareness of the needs of children in care and the challenges they face during their lifetime to ensure they receive the right support to give them the best chance possible to live safe and healthy lives and to realise their full potential as they grow. I hope this will be my legacy.”
A big congratulations to Pam, from all of us across the Five Rivers family!