A GRADUATION-style ceremony was held in Birmingham to celebrate the educational achievements of vulnerable young people attached to a youth support agency.

The ceremony at Fazeley Studios in Digbeth was organised by St Basils to reward the efforts of the 16 to 25-year-olds it works with who are homeless or at risk of being without a home.

A total of 58 young people completed the Life Skills qualification laid on by St Basils, a further 12 passed an Introduction to Youth Work programme and several others took part in a Community Representative e-learning course.

They dressed in graduation gowns to receive their certificates on the night from the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Coun Anita Ward.

Jean Templeton, St Basils’ chief executive, said: “It was a wonderful evening where families, partners and supporters came together to celebrate the achievements of young people, volunteers and long-serving employees of St Basils.

“We know that being cared about helps you to care about yourself and others and gives you hope for the future and this was a brilliant illustration of just how much everyone cares.”