Art exhibition to support young people in care
An art exhibition with proceeds going to support the achievements of children and young people in care in Warwickshire is taking place in Rugby next month.
Our White Room gallery on Little Church Street in Rugby will host the exhibition of John Barradell’s prints between 18 and 25 August. John is an accomplished print artist using a range of intaglio techniques including etching, dry point, aquatints, and holograph techniques.
This unique exhibition will raise additional funds for the Barradell Achievement Fund. The fund was named after John’s brother Rob Barradell who was first a social worker and then a Senior Manager at Warwickshire County Council before his early death in 2000. Rob initiated the development of the fund in 1999 with a sponsored cycle ride from Warwick to the Houses of Parliament in London.
The fund was officially launched in 2003 and now provides awards and grants to children and young people in care in Warwickshire. It is to recognise their achievements and is used to support their pursuit of educational, vocational or special interest activities.
Awards, for young people aged 10 -18, are between £50 and £100 and are presented with a certificate that recognises the young person’s long-term commitment or achievement to an activity that has had either personal or community benefit.
Grants, for looked after or former looked after children and young people under 21 years of age are designed to meet the full or part cost of a broad range of activities up to the value of £500. The activity must be of personal benefit to the young person by enhancing their educational or employment opportunities or by promoting personal development, social skills and self-esteem.
Confidential nominations for awards and grants are sought from any professional working with young person in care and foster carers. The Barradell Panel meets three times a year and is chaired by the Foster Care Development Officer. It includes a young person who has left care, a Young Person’s Advisor, a foster carer and the Panel Administrator.
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Warwickshire County Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People and Families said: “I would like to thank the Barradell family for their continued commitment to the looked after young people of the county. This achievement fund has been a fantastic help to many young people over the last five years who have benefited from opportunities for personal development and making contributions to their communities”.
“The awards and grants offered by the fund perfectly complement the wonderful services currently offered by Warwickshire County Council’s Fostering Services. I hope many people will visit this exhibition, which is a chance not only to view the work of a talented artist, but also to offer support to this worthwhile scheme.”