Hundreds of young people in care in Wolverhampton were rewarded for their resilience, hard work and achievements at an inspirational awards celebration.   The City of Wolverhampton Council’s annual I Awards, held at Grand Station last Friday night (22 October 2021), celebrated the efforts of local children and young people in care and care leavers and recognised their hard work and success over the last 12 months.  

More than 400 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 academic achievements and personal growth and recognised the achievements of care leavers who are taking the next steps in their lives.  

There were four ‘Inspirational Award’ winners who have demonstrated various ways in which they have shown independence, commitment and resilience in their lives. These included high academic achievements, setting up their own homes, learning to be independent and constantly showing commitment through supporting various initiatives helping other children in care.    

The event was hosted by local rapper Vital who also performed at the event. along with an amazing performance from a member of the HY5 group of young people with special educational needs and disabilities.    

Emma Bennett, the council’s executive director for families, said: "I am extremely proud of the achievements of children and young people in care 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.   "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 www.fosteringforwolverhampton.com or call us on 01902 551133."   Councillor Beverley Momenabadi, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, joined children and parents at the event and said: “The I Awards are such a fantastic way for us to celebrate the achievements of children and young people in care and for those who have left our care to start their own independent journey in life. We heard some incredible stories of achievement which, coupled with the invaluable support of their carers, has enabled our young people to achieve in many different ways, and I am delighted that we were able to reward so many of our inspirational young people.  

“We will continue to encourage and support children and young people so that they can aim even higher and be the best that they can be. It’s also great to know that our children are in great hands with our dedicated foster carers who continue to play such an important role and provide excellent care.”