Congratulations to our Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children’s Team and Chloe, who have been named winners at the 2025 Frontline Awards.
The awards recognise social work practice and innovation, along with young people making a difference in the sector.
The third annual awards took place in London, with guests including: social workers; care leavers; Children’s Minister, Janet Daby; Safeguarding Minister, Jess Phillips; Education Select Committee Chair, Helen Hayes; and care experienced Olympian Fatima Whitbread.
Coventry’s Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children’s Service was named Team of the Year for its dedication to young people, influence on policy, and advocacy.
Team Manager, Alexandra Capitani, said: “You don’t often get recognition, and the team works so hard – not just what’s in their contract, but going above and beyond.
“We ask young people what they want and try to make that happen. Even with financial constraints, the team puts in their own extra time and money to try to make things happen.”
Alexandra urged social workers to be creative in their approach, have open conversations and celebrate young people’s cultures.
She added: “Think about what’s important to young people, whether that’s the clothes they wear, having fun or celebrating important cultural events. Spend time with them.
“Obviously, they have been through a lot of trauma, and that’s something we have to support them with. But there’s so much more to talk about and learn together. It’s about getting to know them and building normal relationships, not just professional ones.”
One care leaver who joined the team for the awards ceremony commended its social workers for striving to understand their circumstances and find appropriate solutions.
There were three winners of Frontline’s award for young people, including Coventry’s Chloe, who won the Frontline Award for Young People.
Chloe, a mentor and advocate for care leavers, has worked to reform how language is used within Coventry’s Children’s Services.
Chloe said, “When I first started the House Project I was a shy person who had no confidence. Everyone supported me and believed in me. Now I have the knowledge and confidence to stand in front of others to change the narrative for care leavers.”
Welcoming the awards, Cllr Patricia Seaman, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “These awards are very well-deserved and reflect the great deal of hard work that goes on in Coventry every day to give young people a voice and make them feel valued.
“I am particularly pleased that the Awards celebrate innovation and the young people working in the sector. These are areas we value very highly in Coventry, and we are constantly looking at new ways to make our city even more child-friendly and a safe, happy, healthy and inclusive place for children, young people and their families.
“Congratulations to everyone – we are very proud of you all.”
Read more about the awards.