The Council’s Civic Suite has seen a lot of history during its lifetime. Decisions that impacted the lives of many residents, Mayors and Leaders have come and gone and many dignitaries from around the world have been welcomed to Solihull there. But few evenings over the years can have been as Joyous as Tuesday 2 December, when the Council Chamber played host to the Solihull SEND Awards 2025.
On a grander scale than ever before, the night celebrated the achievements of children and young people and those who support them through their work or volunteering. There were 15 hotly contested categories, with winners and highly-commended runners up taking home trophies, but rarely has the old saying – they are all winners – rung more true.
The stories of difficulties overcome, of children who remain kind, caring, and positive in the face of so many challenges in their young lives, were inspiring and moving for all present. So many people were in attendance that several overspill rooms were required, with the ceremony livestreamed to screens so that everyone could follow the action.
Whilst the Council played host, the event was organised primarily by volunteers from Solihull Parent Carer Voice, who work to raise awareness and improve outcomes for all children with special needs and/or disabilities locally.
Awards were presented by senior leaders from the Council, including the Mayor of Solihull Councillor Annette Mackenzie, as well as leaders from the NHS and Alfie Ford, a local autism awareness activist.
Councillor Karen Grinsell, Leader of Solihull Council and Lead Member for Children’s Services and Education was delighted with how the ceremony went “It was such a pleasure to welcome so many impressive children, young people, and their loved ones to the Civic Suite and to hear their inspirational stories. The winners were all so deserving, but so was everyone who was nominated. I want to thank SPCV for all the work they put in to organise this, but the real thanks go to those we celebrated on the night. The children and those who support them are real heroes, they overcome so much and I’m just proud we were able to recognise that in such a special way”
Heather Delaney, CEO of SPCV spoke warmly about the awards – “It was such a special night for all the children and young people. They have overcome so many challenges to get to where they are. Celebrating them as the kind, caring, accomplished people that they are is so important as we look at reshaping the narratives around SEND. The teachers and volunteers who work with them are so often overlooked too, hearing the cheers from the children they teach as they went up to get their awards must have been a really rewarding moment for them. It took a lot of work, but I’m so proud we were able to make this happen, and I want to thank everyone who made it possible”