Hundreds of young people in care in Wolverhampton showcased their talents at an inspirational awards celebration.

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The annual I Awards, organised by the City of Wolverhampton Council and held at the Ramada Park Hall Hotel on Friday night (20 April), celebrated the efforts of Wolverhampton's looked after children and care leavers and recognised their hard work and success in a range of categories over the last 12 months.

More than 430 children and young people were invited to collect awards in recognition of a wide range of achievements, from doing well at school to getting involved in their local community and overcoming challenges in their personal lives.

The I Awards also celebrated success in creativity and art and recognised the achievements of care leavers who are taking the next steps in their lives.

Emma Bennett, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Director of Children's Services, 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 their successes with their foster carers and support workers.

"Many children in care will have previously gone through a very difficult period in their young lives, and so it's all the more important that we celebrate their success.

"We heard some moving stories of achievement which, coupled with the invaluable support of their carers, has enabled our young people to achieve in many different ways. I am delighted that we were able to reward so many of our inspirational young people.

"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, and I'd encourage anyone who is interested in becoming a foster carer to visit Type=links;Linkid=8022;Title=Fostering for Wolverhampton;Target=_blank; or call us on 01902 551133."

  • released: Monday 23 April, 2018