North Lincolnshire foster carers were celebrated and thanked last week at an event at Hirst Priory.
The fostering team, supported by Children & Families, hosted the day which saw foster carers attend to share their stories, celebrate each other, hear from young people in their care and be awarded for the roles they have in the lives of our children and young people.
Darren Johnson, a.k.a Annie Fanny compered the day, making everyone feel at ease, speaking very passionately about the cause.
Awards given to the foster carers included those for supporting and promoting sibling relationships, fostering community award, supporting fostering recruitment, enabling and promoting diversity and lifetime achievement awards of over 20 and 25 years.
Phil & Katie Young, winners of the recruitment award, said: “The celebration event was an inspirational day for all involved.
“To spend time in the company of other foster carers, hear their stories, share ours and being witness to accolades, being presented for community awards, supporting recruitment like ourselves and long standing service of over 20 years was truly an honour to be a part of.”
The team worked tirelessly to put on the event to show appreciation and validation towards our foster carers and how crucial they are in the lives of our children and young people in care.
Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for children, families, and communities, said: “A huge thank you to our fostering community and what you do for all our children.
“You are recognised deeply for our children in North Lincolnshire and this celebration day reflects that. Many congratulations to each one of you and I am privileged to have been a part of your day.”
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, added: “You as our foster carers know the contribution you make and the difference that you make, and I wholeheartedly agree with that.
“The fact that you are able to make a difference to your children is thanks to your willpower, commitment and tenacity. Thank you for being you and our foster carers.”
The day was a further chance to embrace a year of achievements which included Chloe who won the award for Young People at The Fostering Excellence Awards, the launch of the Corporate Grandparenting offer to care leavers and their children, a partnership with Harley Young of HY Racing – champion of fostering, and the fostering team being recognised and crowned as silver winners in the Children’s Team category at the Social Worker of the Year awards.
Rachel Smith, Interim Director of Children and Families, said: “What an absolutely magical day, spending time with so many of our foster carers in one room together was just so very heart-warming.
“I felt proud and privileged to hand out the awards to our inspirational foster carers for the continued support, love and care they give to all our children and young people in care. Their presence in the lives of our children is unwavering and the day was a celebration of all they do to enable our children to thrive and grow.
“We have an outstanding team who support all our foster carers, and it is a credit to them that we all feel part of such an amazing family.”
Fostering Friendly scheme members supported the day with donation of prizes; an extended thank you goes to the Hampton by Hilton at Humberside Airport, Scunthorpe United F.C., Rands Solicitors, DN Colleges Group, Deligraze, Oatridge Coaching, Messingham Martial Arts and Tortank Ltd.
You too could join the fostering family as a foster carer, supported lodgings host or by becoming fostering friendly, supporting, and championing our children and fostering in the community.
To find out more about fostering in North Lincolnshire, visit the website, email fostering@northlincs.gov.uk or call 01724 297024.
