Shining a spotlight on Buckinghamshire’s fabulous foster carers

Last Friday (29 September) Buckinghamshire Council held a celebratory event to shine a spotlight on the valued network of local carers who work tirelessly to look after children of all ages and backgrounds who are in need of foster care.

The annual Foster Care Awards give the opportunity for the council to say thank you to all the Bucks foster carers and give special recognition to a number who have shown additional merit in their role as a temporary guardian to vulnerable children and young people.

At this year’s ceremony, which took place at Bradmoor Farm in Haddenham, there were six award categories:

• Best Newcomer – recognising the achievement of new carers as they embark on their fostering journey.
• Outstanding Contribution to Fostering – recognising the contribution made by more experienced foster carers either in caring for children or in additional tasks including organising events, running buddy schemes, supporting other foster carers and taking part in training for others.
• Respite & Short Breaks Carer of the Year – recognising the contribution respite and short breaks carers make to fostering, ensuring that carers and parents get a much-needed break.
• The Willow Award – celebrating courage, dedication and resilience, this award recognises those who have shown remarkable perseverance in the face of adversity.
• Foster Carer of the Year – celebrating the overall standout contribution of a foster carer or a fostering household in the past year.
• Long Service Awards – presented to individuals who have dedicated a large part of their lives to fostering in Buckinghamshire.

As previously, individuals were nominated by social workers, foster carers, parents, carers and those linked to the fostering service. Nominees were shortlisted by a panel of judges with winners announced on the night.

The winners were:

• Natalie & Oli Summers awarded Best Newcomer
• Jo Hudson awarded Respite & Short Breaks Carer of the Year
• Debbie & Chris Armstrong awarded Outstanding Contribution to Fostering
• Hannah & Martin Ward and Amanda & Julian Randall awarded The Willow Award
• Christine & Ray Brown awarded Foster Carer of the Year

Anita Cranmer, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Education said: “We are so grateful for all that our foster carers do for the children and young people in our care and this event is just a small way for us to show our appreciation.

“All our foster carers do a fantastic job, dedicating their time to looking after these children, helping them to grow and develop within a secure and loving home environment. We are truly grateful for all that they do.”

Buckinghamshire Council is always looking for new foster carers to look after local children. If you would like to find out more about what is involved visit the website: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/fostering