SANDWELL’S GOT TALENT is a talent contest that was launched in 2008 around the Sandwell area by local Charity, Changing Our Lives, who work with people with learning disabilities. It’s a contest with a difference as the performers all have learning disabilities.

The Final of Sandwell’s Got Talent 2009 took place at The Public on Friday 4th December. 250 people attended the Final, which was won by "Secret Weapon" (Adam Everill), a very talented reggae singer who writes and performs his own songs. Adam was supported by his Artistic Buddy, Andrea Pope-Smith, who is the Director of Adult Services for Sandwell.

In 2nd place was Gemma Caffrey, a really wonderful singer, who was supported by her Artistic Buddy, Gary Bowman, who is the Director of Sandwell Partnership.

In 3rd Place was William Horncastle, who impressed everyone with his guitar playing skills. William was supported by his Artistic Buddy, Glynn Dixon, Head of Inclusion and Improvement at Sandwell MBC.

All of the 8 finalists gave brilliant performances and the audience all had a great time.

The Darren Selman and Frances Painter Awards are presented to people with learning disabilities who are nominated for becoming strong self-advocates, achieving a personal goal or for being a real inspiration to their peers.

The Innovation Award is presented for work that creatively supports people with learning disabilities, to achieve the four principles of Valuing People: Community Inclusion, Equal rights as a citizen, Individual choice and independence.

The Creative Achievement Award is presented to someone who has shown great improvement in one of the creative arts.

The winners of all the awards were all local people with learning disabilities who have achieved independence, or who have been involved in a local successful project involving valuing people with learning disabilities.