Pam McConnell, the chief-executive and founder of Five Rivers Child Care and member of The Leaders Council of Great Britain & Northern Ireland, has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the prestigious National Children and Young People Awards.
The Children and Young People Awards recognise the achievements of those working across the social care sector. The Lifetime Achievement category acknowledges individuals who have made an outstanding long-term contribution to the lives of vulnerable children, young people and their families.
A beaming McConnell (pictured, left) beat off competition from 11 other finalists in her category to secure the honour, accepting her title at the 2022 National Children and Young People Awards ceremony. The showpiece was held at the International Convention Centre [ICC] in Birmingham, West Midlands on October 6.
Throughout her career, McConnell has trained as a social worker, foster carer and therapist. In 1989, she founded Five Rivers Child Care, a social enterprise headquartered in Salisbury, Wiltshire.
Over the last 33 years, Five Rivers has grown significantly and now has more than 500 staff internationally and has 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 per cent of any surplus profits into services that directly benefit children in care.
McConnell commented: “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.”
Image provided by Five Rivers Child Care
