A 'Positivitree' has been planted in Heywood’s Queen's Park this morning in celebration of the borough’s care-experienced children and young people.
The tree symbolises the accomplishments of those who have been cared for by the local authority.
It also represents the strength children and young people have shown, and continue to show, in facing and overcoming life’s challenges.
It is hoped the tree will inspire future generations of similar backgrounds and remind them to never give up on their ambitions, even in times of adversity.
Councillor Rachel Massey, portfolio holder for children’s services and education, said:
“Planting this tree is a powerful symbol of hope, resilience, and the bright futures ahead for our care-experienced young people.
“Just like this tree, they continue to grow stronger and taller each year, reaching for the sky with no limits to what they can achieve, and as the branches grow in different directions, their roots still remain as one.
“I am incredibly proud of each and every one of them, and I hope this tree stands as a reminder of the joy, peace, and possibility that life holds.
“With the support of the council and our corporate parents, which I am proud to chair, we will continue to nurture and uplift them, ensuring they have the opportunities and encouragement to flourish."
Danielle and Mylo with Councillor Rachel Massey (pictured centre) with the planting of the 'Positivitree'.
The borough’s care experienced people have already shown ambition has no limits, with some going on to study at universities including Oxford, while others have gone on to work in important professions such as the police, social work and teaching.
However, the effort required to take care of your mental health and physical wellbeing must not go unrecognised, especially given how challenging this can be in difficult times.
Sharon Hubber, director of children’s services, added:
“As a council we are committed to helping children and young people in our care to access the very best opportunities to succeed in life.
“From supporting them to do well at school and peruse their dream careers, to offering a vital network of support which helps them to feel valued and know that they are not alone in difficult moments.
“We are incredibly proud of all our care-experienced children and young people and we are delighted to see what they have gone on to achieve – they really deserve it.”
Care-experienced young people and Councillor Rachel Massey in Queen's Park.
Today’s tree planting involved people who have been cared for locally, Councillor Massey and council officers, with attendees staying on to enjoy a small picnic in the park.
The ‘Positivitree’ follows an initiative led by the National Leaving Care Benchmarking Forum to encourage councils to commit to seeing cared for children and care-experienced young people grow and thrive.
Rochdale Borough Council is committed to raising the ambitions of local children and young people, and in supporting them to achieve their aspirations as outlined in its Raising Rochdale strategy, with Cllr Massey adding:
“Together we can shape the future of a child in Rochdale.
“With this blossoming ‘Positivitree’ we will ensure that every child in our care has the same opportunities we would want for our own children.”