A successful Residents Week 2017 wrapped up on a high note on Friday (7 April) with a celebration of volunteering in the City of Wolverhampton.

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The Mayor, Councillor Barry Findlay, and Mayoress, Margaret Findlay, hosted the event for 70 volunteers in the Mayor's Parlour to recognise and celebrate their contribution to the city.

It is estimated volunteers bring an added value of around £171 million to the city's economy annually.

Keynote speakers included Wolverhampton Air Cadets Squadron Leader, Charlotte Morrison, Alzheimer's Society Service Manager, Lee Allen, Wolverhampton and Bilston Athletics Club President, Mary Harding, and Citizens Advice Wolverhampton Chief Officer, Helen Child.

During the week residents across the city also took part in a range of events and activities, with more than 120 organisations offering support to get local people into jobs, enhance their skills, find the right home, and improve their health and fitness.

Helen said: "I am thrilled with the range of events and numbers of people who participated in Residents Week this year.

"It is brilliant to have an opportunity to shout from the rooftops about all of the work going on to make the City of Wolverhampton a great place to live, learn and work.

"I want to say a huge thanks to everyone who hosted, sponsored or attended an event."

The Mayor added: "The work of volunteers in the City of Wolverhampton goes right to the heart of what Residents Week is all about, which is to help people live, work and learn in the city.

"The added social and economic value that volunteering brings to the city enables some of the most vulnerable people and their families to get the specialist support they need, while also giving volunteers new skills, training, and for some, help with their own wellbeing."

Residents Week kicked off with Super Saturday where almost 400 residents took part in a free and fun day of fitness sessions at all three WV Active Leisure centres - Aldersley, Central and Bilston-Bert Williams - including the launch of brand new 'Born to Move' classes for young residents aged 8 to 15.

City of Wolverhampton's first ever Housing Fair proved a big hit with more than 550 visitors dropping in for free help and advice.

More than 1,400 people attended the Skills and Apprenticeship Show - sponsored by City of Wolverhampton College, and supported by the University of Wolverhampton and City of Wolverhampton Council.

The morning saw school students get help with career choices and gave them a taste of industry skills, while the evening session was open to residents of all ages, who met employers and training providers with apprenticeship vacancies. 

Elsewhere, as residents clocked up over 100,000 miles in the Beat the Street programme, others benefited from free health checks and health advice across the city.

More than 500 city residents attended a 'Careers into Care' jobs fair taking advantage of over 300 jobs opportunities from over 30 employers, with a large number walking away with interview invites.

Councillor John Reynolds, Cabinet Member for City Economy, added: "Residents Week showcased the vast array of activities and services on offer for people to live, learn and work in the city.

"Dozens of organisations came together to help hundreds of residents and we should be proud of what we have to offer as a city.

"Supporting residents into jobs, providing education and skills, delivering housing, and improving the health and wellbeing of local people are top priorities for the city."

  • released: Tuesday 11 April, 2017