The outstanding dedication and unwavering support of Hillingdon Council's foster carers have been recognised at a special awards ceremony.
The Foster Carers Appreciation Awards celebrated the difference that carers make in children's lives, at Brunel University of London, Uxbridge on Friday (6 November). Twelve awards were presented, recognising their efforts and the remarkable ways in which they support children.
The awards were presented by the Deputy Mayor of Hillingdon, Cllr Colleen Sullivan, and Donna Hugh, the council's assistant director, care provision services.
Shannon Callaghan, from Cowley, has fostered with the council for five years and was honoured with this year’s Exceptional Care Award for going above and beyond, providing care, stability and support to children while making a valued contribution to the fostering community.
She currently cares for a 16-year-old boy and provides respite care when needed.
She said: “I feel quite privileged that I'm in a position to win an award – I feel proud.
"I wanted to be able to care and love, and I know how much I can give, and I wanted to give that to my foster child, as well as that stability. The difference from when he came to me and now – he's a completely different child.
"I think these awards are really special, and it celebrates the strengths of foster carers."
Ellie and Jonny Rickards, from Ickenham, were approved as carers in February and provide respite and emergency foster care when needed. They received the Newcomer of the Year Award for outstanding commitment, compassion and flexibility, and offering invaluable support to the wider fostering community.
Ellie said: "It's really lovely to be recognised. You want to live in a society where people are willing to step up and do the jobs that need doing and being able to be part of that is such a privilege. It was a lovely occasion and our sense of awe for the community has just grown."
Jonny added: "When you have the children in front of you and you're having to make a million tiny decisions all the time, to have this external validation that we're doing a really good job is so rewarding."
The couple, who are both in their twenties and work, said they were still able to support children through fostering and encouraged younger residents to consider the role. Jonny explained: "Given the diversity of children in Hillingdon, the more diverse the foster carers, the better."
Diana and Felix Asamoah received the Sibling Support Award, for excellent, nurturing and child-centred care to the children placed with them and showing a strong commitment to promoting stability, security and a sense of belonging.
Felix said: "Fostering for me means taking care of people, providing a lovely home, and making the world a better place for somebody who's struggling, who is having difficulty, and creating that loving environment for a future for somebody to become great.
"Fostering is contributing something wonderful to society so I'm really happy to be involved in it and I'm grateful for Hillingdon for giving me this opportunity."
A further nine awards – Outstanding Commitment, Mentor of the Year, Innovative Carer, Resilience in Fostering, Advocacy in Fostering, Community Impact, Training, Milestone Awards and November’s Star by Far award - were presented at the ceremony.
Cllr Susan O'Brien, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet Member for Adults, Children, Health and Care: "Our foster carers provide so much more than a home. They offer stability, encouragement and care that can have a lasting impact on a child's life.
"These awards are an opportunity to recognise the incredible commitment, compassion and dedication they show every day. It was wonderful to celebrate their achievements and the difference they have made in helping children and young people feel supported, valued and able to thrive.
"Congratulations to all of this year's winners and thank you to every one of our foster carers and their families for the vital role they play in supporting some of our borough's most vulnerable children and young people."
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 and a family Merlin and leisure pass.
Find out more about fostering with Hillingdon by visiting www.fosterwithwestlondon.org.uk/contact/hillingdon. If you would prefer to speak with someone, call the Foster with West London team on 020 8753 1075 or email contact@fosterwithwestlondon.org.uk.