Hundreds of young people in care in Wolverhampton showcased their talents at an inspirational celebration on Friday night (3 March, 2017).

Type=image;ImageID=12289;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Celebrating their success at the I Awards;TitleClass=strong;

The annual I Awards, held at the Ramada Park Hall Hotel, celebrated the achievements of looked after children and care leavers over the last 12 months.

More than 400 children and young people were invited to collect awards in recognition of a variety of achievements, from performing well at school to getting involved in their local community.

The I Awards also celebrated success in creativity and art and the achievements of care leavers who are taking the next steps in their lives, and featured music and dance performances by looked after children and care leavers.

Councillor Val Gibson, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "I am extremely proud of the achievements of looked after children in Wolverhampton, and the I Awards are a great way for us to encourage them to aim high and reward them for their hard work.

"It's also a fantastic opportunity for the young people themselves to celebrate with their foster carers and support workers.

"Many children in care have previously gone through difficult periods in their young lives, and so it's important that we recognise the fact that they have overcome adversity to achieve so much.

"It was also a chance for us to say thank you to our many foster carers, who do such a good job looking after children in care."

The Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Barry Findlay, who presented awards to the young people, said: "This was an incredibly uplifting event and I was delighted to be a part of it.

"We heard moving stories of achievement which, coupled with the invaluable support of their carers, has enabled our young people to succeed in many different ways.

"It is wonderful that we were able to showcase their success and reward so many of our inspirational young people."

To find out more about fostering, please visit Type=links;Linkid=8022;Title=Fostering for Wolverhampton;Target=_blank; or call the Fostering for Wolverhampton team on 01902 551133.

  • released: Wednesday 8 March, 2017