A successful Residents Week 2016 wrapped up with a celebration of volunteers in the city at the Civic Centre. The Mayor, Councillor Ian Brookfield, hosted 80 volunteers in his parlour to recognise their contribution to Wolverhampton. City of Wolverhampton Council staff also got into the spirit of volunteering during the week as members of Corporate Leadership Team swapped the office for a city centre soup kitchen.
Residents also took part in a range of events and activities provided by around 50 organisations during Residents Week to support local people to compete for jobs, enhance their skills, become self-employed and improve their health and fitness.
Ian Darch, Chair of the City’s Inclusion Board and Chief Executive of Wolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council, said: “It is fitting the last event of Residents Week has celebrated volunteering in the city. “This week has only been made possible through the effort of dozens of organisations, including public and voluntary sector businesses. It has been a tremendous success; supporting residents into work and healthier living. I would like to thank everyone who hosted an event or took part in an activity – this city supports its residents.”
The Mayor added: “I hope today’s celebration of volunteers grows into something bigger at Residents Week next year when we will be looking for volunteers to celebrate at events across the city.”
Residents Week kicked off with the official launch of the City of Wolverhampton Charter – a real step forward for the city, bringing key organisations together to ensure maximum benefit to Wolverhampton residents for every collective pound spent.
Elsewhere, as residents clocked up over 100,000 miles in the Beat the Street programme, others were able to benefit from free fitness sessions and health checks at WV Active Bilston Bert Williams.
Voluntary organisations and social enterprises across the city hosted special drop in and taster sessions to help residents get to know the full range of local services available to them.
Activities showcased ranged from the benefits of singing for your health and supporting people who care for others, to how cuddling an animal – like Flossie the therapy dog - can improve your health and wellbeing.
Almost 500 residents attended a job support and apprenticeship event on Thursday and were able to benefit from speaking directly to people who can help them on the road to self-employment or find training.
And 12 students from schools across the city were inspired during Residents Week to look at careers with the NHS after a visit to Royal Wolverhampton NHS Hospital Trust.
Councillor John Reynolds, Cabinet Member for City Economy, added: “Residents Week showcased the vast array of activities and services on offer in the city.
“I visited a number of local services and events throughout the week and I am full of admiration for those working to support people.
“The residents of Wolverhampton should be proud of what they have to offer as a city.”
