Cheshire East Council held its first Early Help awards recently to recognise individuals and organisations who support children and families early, preventing them from going into crisis.

Early help can be described as: getting involved early and as soon as possible to tackle problems emerging for children, young people and their families.

Early help covers issues such as debt, poor mental health or threat of homelessness and can happen to families at any point in a child or young person's life.

Winners were announced in several different categories including health, education, unsung heroes and outstanding achievement.

The award-winners were a mixture of council employees, people working in partner organisations and volunteers.

People from many different services came together to celebrate the work of those who have made and continue to make a huge different to so many residents in the borough.

The council also sought the help of children and young people who named the first ceremony 'The Diamond Awards' with the word 'diamond' standing for individuals/organisations who:

• Dedicate
• Inspire
• (go) Above and beyond
• Make a difference
• (are) One in a million
• Never give up
• Develop relationships

last here years and have been invaluable to me.

"Who knows where I'd have been without their help, support, guidance and friendship along the way.

"Thank you for all you do to support local families. We need you more than you know."