Council celebrates its committed foster carers

The Foster Carers Appreciation Awards celebrated the difference they make in children's lives, at the Winston Churchill Theatre, Ruislip, on Friday 19 September. Nine awards were presented, recognising their efforts and the remarkable ways in which they support children.  

Resilience in Fostering Awards were presented to Sara Turner, Carolyn and Ian Eyles, Zena Dowsett and Anna and Rob Atkins for their commitment to creating safe, loving and stable homes. 

Sara, from Northwood, is the council's first mother and baby carer. She has created a nurturing and structured environment for a young mother and newborn baby. Her compassionate, patient and proactive approach has helped her build trust and empower the young mum to create a better future for her and her baby.  

Sara said: "I feel it's making a difference - the mother said she wanted her child to have a different life than she'd had, and I wanted to support that. 

"Even though it's a job, it doesn't feel like one, and it's like having another daughter and grandson in the house. 

"I was really shocked to receive the award, I didn't expect it and it's lovely to be recognised. My own daughter, who's 25, has just applied to be a foster carer. She said she's watched me with the children. She loves it and says that's what she wants to do." 

Anna and Rob, from West Drayton, have been fostering with the council for 14 years and have supported more than 30 children. 

Rob said: "It's great to have recognition of what you're doing. We just help our foster children on their journey to being their individual selves. It's in there somewhere and we're just trying to unlock it." 

Anna added: "It's the little things - we have a child at the moment, and their school is saying what a transformation they've seen, and you feel so proud when you hear that." 

Maureen and Les Dwyer, from Northwood, received the Long Service Award for 40 years fostering and said they had supported more than 100 children. 

Les said: "Whether you foster for 40 years, or two years, it's nice to be appreciated. I enjoy seeing the children going back to their families or being independent - that's the joy you get out of it." 

A further seven awards - Outstanding Commitment, Exceptional Care, Sibling Support for keeping families together, Community Impact, Newcomer of the Year, Step Across for taking children who have left residential care and the Mockingbird Award, in recognition of advocating for change - were presented on the evening by Donna Hugh, the council's assistant director, care provision services. 

Cllr Susan O'Brien, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, said: "We're so grateful to our brilliant foster carers who are making such a profound and positive difference to the lives of children in our borough. These awards are our way of recognising their commitment and dedication and saying 'thank you' for their continued support. 

"It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their achievements and hear firsthand the impact they have made, giving children and young people opportunities to grow, thrive and be supported. Congratulations to all our award winners."  

The council offers one of the most competitive payments and benefits packages in England, where foster carers can earn up to £1,500 per week and receive a 25 per cent reduction in council tax when looking after a child in care. This also includes £1,000 off utility bills, a winter fuel allowance and a family Merlin and leisure pass. This equates to an annual salary of up to £72,000.   

Find out more about fostering with Hillingdon by visiting www.hillingdon.gov.uk/fostering