A foster care charity was named the Cymru chosen charity of the year.

Comfort Cases UK was given the title by the Foster Care Associates (FCA) ahead of The Big Sing Off competition, which took place at the ICC in Caerleon, Wales, on Saturday, September 28.

The FCA and Comfort Cases UK were eagerly anticipating the return of The Big Sing Off - an event where foster children from across the country come together to create memories through music.

The event is not just about music, but also about building a sense of community and joy for children who need it most.

The Big Sing Off is a national event where 400 children, including foster children and their families, as well as supporters from across the UK, participate in an annual singing competition.

In 2023, participants at FCA raised more than £600 in their fundraising efforts at The Big Sing Off and other events, including a raffle, bake sale, and sponsored cycle.

This year, the young people hoped to beat last year’s total, aiming to raise £1,000 for Comfort Cases UK.

Comfort Cases UK is a charity that provides children entering the care system with a bag filled with essential and comforting items known as "comfort cases".

Sarah Laster, Comfort Cases UK CEO, said: "Comfort Cases UK is a small charity funded by donations and sponsorship, we are proud to announce that we are the lead fundraising partner for Foster Care Associates who also believes in a better future for young people in the care system across the UK so that no child in care ever moves without dignity."

John Platts, managing director at FCA, said: "For the last decade, we’ve been bringing children and young people from across the country together to get involved in a good old-fashioned sing song."

"The sense of pride and achievement we feel each year that these young people take to the stage to perform is massive."

Comfort Cases UK works with more than 100 local authority teams, charity organisations, NHS trusts, and residential care homes to distribute the Comfort Cases to those in need within the local community.

Joe Swash, Comfort Cases UK’s first ambassador, said: "This cause is incredibly important to me.

"Every child deserves to have something personal to hold onto, especially during traumatic times.

"The work that Comfort Cases UK is doing strives to help children in the care system by offering essential items to those who have so little to call their own."