Families who have changed lives across Bedford Borough were celebrated in a special event on 15 November at Renhold Village Hall as a thank you for their selfless work as foster carers.
The Foster Carers Celebrations 2024 brought together individuals who provide love and support to Looked After Children from Bedford Borough, helping them to remain in their community, part of local clubs and activities and close to their family and friends while they are fostered.
A series of awards were handed out at the event after nominations were made by social workers and other council staff members.
There were long service awards for foster carers who have looked after children and young people for up to 35 years, with a combined total of 125 years of caring for foster children accumulated amongst the group of winners.
The Team Award went to ten carers and recognised them for their contribution to developing the fostering service, working with other carers, and looking after young people.
And there were ten Kinship Awards, for carers and fostering households who have given their time and commitment to promote and support a relative needing care.
The Voice Award went to 17 carers. This award recognises carers and households who have gone the extra mile in advocating for young people and helped their voice to be heard.
And the Rock Award was shared between 25 carers. This goes to carers and households who have shown resilience and commitment in supporting other carers and young people.
“Challenging but rewarding”
The awards come after the council published an animated video on National Adoption Week to promote fostering and adopting.
The latest Government figures show that the number of foster carers in the UK are decreasing, with a 5% decrease in local authority foster placements.
At the end of March 2024, family and friends households (known as kinship foster care) accounted for 21% of all active fostering households, an increase from 16% in 2020.
Read: Council’s animated film helps families on national adoption week
Cllr Jane Walker, Portfolio Holder for Valuing Families, Children’s Services said; “I can’t speak highly enough of our foster carers.
“Their work is both challenging and enormously rewarding, and I’m delighted to do anything I can to celebrate them.”
Tom Wootton, Conservative Mayor of Bedford Borough said, “The stories I’ve heard today, from our foster families and carers, have genuinely moved me.
“On behalf of everyone at Bedford Borough Council – and everyone across Bedford Borough – I’d like to thank them for the role they play in children and young people’s lives each and every day.”
