Tameside Foster Carers celebrated at Long Service Awards

Foster carers who are helping to turn around the lives of vulnerable Tameside children were celebrated a special awards ceremony.

Tameside Council recognised their local foster carers’ long services and the positive difference they make by hosting an awards ceremony on 7 November as part of Greater Manchester Fostering Fortnight.

Executive Leader Eleanor Wills, Executive Member for Children’s and Families Cllr Teresa Smith, Director of Children’s Services Dr Catherine Driscoll, the council’s Fostering Service and local foster carers came together at The Restaurant – Tameside’s College’s flagship venue - located in Tameside One, Ashton, for an afternoon of celebration and appreciation.

Awards were handed out to 14 fostering households, making up 25 local foster carers for their long service. The length of service ranged from fostering for five years all the way to 40 years plus.

The event aimed to recognise and thank local foster carers for making such a huge difference to local children in Tameside.

When local foster carers were asked what their favourite fostering moment had been one answered: “Just being there for the children and giving them the life that they’ve never had.”

Another said: “It’s been watching the children develop from where they come from to how they are when they actually move on.”

Foster carers provide local children in care with safe, loving homes close to friendship groups, schools and other networks to ensure these children had stability in such an unstable period of their lives.

Tameside Council are looking for more Tameside residents to come forward and become foster carers to provide stable and loving homes for vulnerable local children. The council provides foster carers with full training, a support and an allowance.

Fostering with Tameside Council can be flexible to coincide with residents’ lifestyles, environments and schedules, as is a range of different types of fostering.

The Council’s fostering service is not for profit, and the priority is the welfare of the children and young people.

The criteria to apply are to be aged 21 or over, have a spare room in your property, and to be able to provide a safe and loving home. People from all backgrounds can apply.

Tameside Council Executive Member for Children’s and Families, Councillor Teresa Smith, said: “I’d like to congratulate all of our local foster carers who received their long service awards. But I’d also like to thank all of our local foster carers – including those who have more recently joined us - for the commitment and care they give to our children and young people, as you’re making such a huge difference their lives.

“All Tameside foster carers are offering local children in care the best start in life in order to achieve their full potential. If you’re considering fostering or even would like to ask any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.”

For more information on fostering for Tameside Council call 0300 303 0321 or email enquire@fosterforgm.com or visit www.tameside.gov.uk/fostering