The Mayor of Solihull, Cllr Sardul Marwa MBE JP, joined care-experienced young people from across the borough for a summer barbecue celebrating their achievements and future opportunities.

The event, held at Hatchford Brook Family Hub in Elmdon on Friday 24 July, brought together young people, employment support organisations and community services for an afternoon of food, activities and networking.

During the barbecue, attendees enjoyed freshly prepared food, spoke with employment support specialists and took part in activities including crocheting workshops.

The mayor spent time meeting young people from across Solihull, discussing their experiences and learning how services such as Best Start Family Hubs and Our Voice, Our Services (OVOS) have supported them both while in council care and as they transition into adulthood.

Representatives from a range of organisations were also on hand to offer advice and guidance on employment opportunities, including West Midlands Police, Birmingham Airport Partnership and Solihull College & University Centre.

Speaking after the event, Cllr Marwa highlighted the importance of supporting care-experienced young people as they begin their careers.

He said: "It was fantastic to speak to all the young people at the barbecue, as well as the employment support teams.

"It's vital for us to provide them with accessible next steps towards employment, especially when it might be their first job.

"Learning new skills and getting that valuable experience early on is essential for young people across Solihull."

Siobhan Beckford, from Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council's (SMBC) Next Steps Team, said the inaugural event had been a major success.

She said: "Our first barbecue was a huge success and is something we want to continue to do annually.

"It's a great way of bringing people together from all walks of life, celebrating diversity, and sharing their experiences."

SMBC hopes the event will become an annual fixture, helping care-experienced young people build connections, develop skills and explore future employment opportunities.

More information about Family Hubs events taking place this summer can be found on SMBC's website.