On Saturday 17th February, the charity Coram Voice unveiled the winners of Voices 2024, its national writing competition dedicated to children in care and young care leavers.
The event, held in London, was graced by the presence of acclaimed actor Peter Capaldi, who co-hosted the ceremony alongside former Voices competition winner, Claire Wilden.
Now in its eighth year, the Voices competition, generously sponsored by UK management consultancy Cadence Innova, serves as a beacon of positivity and celebration for young individuals in or transitioning from care, providing them with a platform to express their emotions creatively and foster understanding about the care experience. With entries described as “breathtaking” by esteemed judges including authors Patrice Lawrence and Emma Norry, the finalists showcased remarkable talent and immense potential.
Peter Capaldi, a dedicated supporter of the competition since 2017, expressed admiration for the participants, stating, “I’ve supported the Voices competition for a number of years and am always blown away by the talent of the children and young people taking part. It’s an honour to read their words, and the competition is so important in helping us all to better understand their lives and experiences.”
The theme for this year’s competition, ‘What Makes Me Different’, inspired 25 children and young people across four age categories: primary (age 4-10), lower secondary (age 11-14), upper secondary (age 15-17), and care leavers (age 18-25).
Voices 2024 Winners:
Primary Category: Winner: ‘Different?’ by Mali, age 8 Judges Abi Elphinstone and Deborah Maclaren praised Mali’s uplifting poem for its resilience and spirit, celebrating individual experiences while emphasising personal choice.
Lower Secondary Category: Winner: ‘Caught in the System’ by Georgia, age 13 Judges Emma Norry and Callen Martin commended Georgia’s rap song for its powerful message of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Upper Secondary Category: Winner: ‘What Makes Me Different’ by Evan, age 17 Judges Patrice Lawrence and Jordan Morgan lauded Evan’s poignant portrayal of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth, highlighting the authentic language and imagery that offered a sense of hope.
Care Leaver Category: Winner: ‘What Makes Me Different, as told by a 21st Century Bard’ by Ira Judges Chris Wild and Rebekah Pierre praised Ira’s theatrical entry for its clever response to the theme, celebrating diversity in various forms.
Brigid Robinson, Managing Director of Coram Voice, expressed her delight in witnessing the diverse range of entries, applauding the children and young people for their talent, creativity, and resilience.
Gita Singham-Willis, Founding Partner at Cadence Innova, reiterated the firm’s pride in supporting Coram Voice’s vital work, emphasising the competition’s role in championing children’s creativity and self-expression.
The Voices Awards serve as a testament to the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit, inspiring others to embrace their differences and celebrate their unique voices.
