Individuals and organisations helping and preventing families from hitting rock bottom during and post pandemic are set to sparkle at an awards ceremony tomorrow (Thursday).

Cheshire East Council and its partners are holding the first Early Help awards – the Diamond awards - designed to highlight those tackling emerging problems with families.

It will highlight issues such as debt, poor mental health or threat of homelessness which can happen to families at any point in a child or young person's life.

Cheshire East Councillor Kathryn Flavell, who represents the Elworth ward and is chair of the children and families committee, said: "Our priority is to be a council which empowers and cares about people, working together with residents and partners to support people and communities to be strong and resilient.

"We are in a great position in that we have strong communities, excellent schools and good opportunities for work and training across the borough.

"We want every child and their family to get the help and support they need to succeed as early as possible.

"Early help can make the biggest difference when it is given before things go wrong, from individuals, communities and the right professional support.

"As we start to recover from this pandemic, we want to recognise and celebrate all those who have helped children, young people and their families to stay safe, healthy and thrive and I encourage nominations from every corner of the community."

The council is a member of the Cheshire East Children and Young People's Trust which is a partnership of organisations who are responsible for services for children, young people and families, including the NHS and police.

The trust promotes and supports good parenting and the funding of services that give help to families early as they start to experience difficulties.

The first Early Help awards ceremony, which takes place at Sandbach Town Hall, will celebrate the achievements and efforts of both individuals and organisations in nine categories including health, education, unsung hero and outstanding achievement.

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

• Dedicated
• Inspiring
• Above and beyond
• Make a difference
• One in a million
• Never give up; and
• Develop relationships