FOSTER carers who have opened their homes to children in need have been recognised for their dedication and compassion.
Tameside Council hosted a special awards evening to honour 11 households for their years of service, ranging from five to 45 years.
In total, 20 foster carers – including respite, long-term, short-term and kinship carers – were recognised at last week’s celebration at The Restaurant at Tameside College.
A Special Recognition Award went to 75-year-old Jennifer Nash, who has been fostering for decades and is known for her willingness to help at any time.
“I love caring for the babies, and you get on their wavelength,” she said. “But then moving them on in their journey to their forever home, which is horrible for me, for selfish reasons, but it’s lovely seeing the children want their forever home.”
Karen, who has fostered for 15 years, shared her most memorable moment alongside her son Ryan: “We have so many great memories but the one in particular that stands out is when the first time we fostered seeing the five-year-old boy come up the drive, kitted out in head to toe Thomas the Tank Engine… he was so happy to be there, full of energy and life.”
She added: “He actually called us this morning, he still calls us mum and dad, and he’s 21 years old tomorrow. Fostering can be hard but it’s worth every single minute and I would tell people to not even think twice. Being a foster carer is a privilege.”
The evening also included a raffle supported by local businesses, while highlighting the urgent need for more foster carers in the borough.
Councillor Teresa Smith, Executive Member for Children and Families, said: “Our foster carers give children and young people in care the very best start in life – offering not just a roof over their heads, but a place they can truly call home.”
More than 600 children in Tameside currently need support, with only around 80 foster carers in place. Anyone interested can visit www.fosterforgm.com/tameside or call 0300 303 0321.