Exceptional People in Care (EPIC) Awards

What are the Exceptional People in Care (EPIC) Awards?

The Exceptional People in Care Awards are a chance to recognise the talents, achievements and skills of the young people in care, kinship care, care leavers and the adults who work with them.

This is the place to recognise the individual triumph and talents that deserve to be recognised and celebrated.

Who can be nominated?

Any of the young people in care and kinship care, care leavers, and adults who support with them. There are multiple awards that you can nominate some for, and you can nominate more than one person.

What are the categories?

Big Thinkers - We’re looking for you to nominate those who have really tried or succeeded in academic achievement, improved their attendance, have improved their behaviour over time, applied themselves to work, or getting a place at college or university.

Big Talents - This category is for young people who have showed talent and achievement eg; sporting activities, performing arts, music or visual arts, or something where their talent is recognised.

Big Hearts - We want to hear from young people with big hearts eg; how they have helped others, how they have demonstrated leadership, teamwork skills, playground buddying, mentoring, volunteering, making a positive contribution in their community or caring for others.

Big Strength - We also want you to nominate those who have been brave, overcome a challenge or challenging times, or faced their fears. This may encompass any other circumstances including illness, disability and personal challenge. It includes those who have shown enormous resilience.

Best Foster Carer, Kinship Carer or Foster Sibling - We want to hear about those foster carers, kinship carers, or foster siblings who have been there for you or someone else, those who have helped you.

Best Supporting Adult - We want to hear about those people who have supported you, it might be a family friend, a teacher, a librarian, or someone else!

How do I nominate someone?

Scroll down this page and you'll find the nominations section. Complete the survey for the nomination you want to make. Be sure to complete with as much information as you can.

When do nominations close?

Nominations are open all year round! You can make a nomination at any time. Our new plan to celebrate young people means their achievements will be recognised throughout the year.

How can I support the events?

We have many ways in which you can support our events. Whether it be volunteering at the event, providing items for the goody bags, or sponsoring the event, we would be happy to hear from you! Please email us at epic.awards@westsussex.gov.uk .

To find out more about sponsorship opportunities, take a look at our website page: yourvoice.westsussex.gov.uk/epic-sponsorship

If I have a question, how can I get in touch?

Just contact our team on:

Accessibility statement:

If you need this information in an alternative format, please contact us on 0330 222 3314 and voice@westsussex.gov.uk. If you are deaf or hard of hearing and have an NGT texting app installed on your computer, laptop or smartphone, you can contact us on 18001 0330 2222 146.

We are committed making this website accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018. West Sussex County Council has created an Accessibility Statement (opens in new window), and details about the general accessibility of the Have Your Say Consultation Hub can be found by clicking on the 'Accessibility tab (opens in new window)' right at the bottom of the page.

We are always looking to improve the accessibility of this website. If you find any problems not listed on this page or think we're not meeting accessibility requirements, please contact us at haveyoursay@westsussex.gov.uk.