Awards honour children and young people in care and care leavers

Hundreds of children and young people in or leaving care in Wolverhampton were recognised for their outstanding personal and educational achievements at an inspirational awards celebration on Friday night (30 January).

The City of Wolverhampton Council’s annual I Awards, held at Grand Station, saw children and young people collect awards in recognition of a wide range of achievements, from doing well at school and college to getting involved in their local community.

There were also special awards for an Inspirational Child in Care, given to Jenson, with Scarlett Russell as runner-up, and Inspirational Care Leaver, awarded to Lily Morris, as well as a Special Recognition for Voluntary Services award presented to Miran Mohammedi for his ongoing commitment to supporting the city’s separated children and young people.

Scarlett Russell was presented with the runner up for Inspirational Child in Care, by the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Executive Director of Families, Alison Hinds, and Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, Councillor Jacqui Coogan, after having two short stories published.

The event, attended by dignitaries including the Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Craig Collingswood, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education Councillor Jacqui Coogan, and the council’s Executive Director of Families Alison Hinds, also saw the return of the ever-popular photobooth, chocolate fountain, balloon artist, sweet cart, face painters and a DJ who had the young people dancing the night away.

Councillor Coogan said: “The I Awards is one of the most important events of the year, allowing the council, as their corporate parent, to recognise and celebrate the achievements of our children and young people in care and care leavers – we are extremely proud of each and every one of them.

“Many of our children and young people have not had the easiest start in life, and the I Awards are a great way of encouraging them to aim high, and to celebrate their success academically and as they move into adulthood.”

Mayor Councillor Collingswood added: “We heard some very uplifting stories of achievement which, coupled with the invaluable support from their foster families, has enabled our children and young people to grow in many different ways.

“We are very lucky to have so many dedicated individuals and families who have opened their homes to our children and young people as foster parents, and the I Awards was our chance to say thank you to them, too.”

Emily Aklan, CEO of event sponsor Serenity Welfare said: “Supporting children in care and care leavers is a cause that sits at the very heart of Serenity Welfare and reflects the central mission of our organisation. The evening was truly inspiring – celebrating achievement, resilience and leadership, and showcasing the strong sense of community that surrounds these young people. It was an honour to be part of such a meaningful event.”

Anyone who is interested in becoming a foster parent is invited to visit www.fosteringforwolverhampton.com or call the Fostering for Wolverhampton team on 01902 551133 to find out more.