Derry foster carers have been praised for their invaluable service to children and young people during a Celebration for Foster Carers Awards ceremony.
The event, held in the The Waterfoot Hotel, Campsie, celebrated the “outstanding continued commitment and dedication” of carers and the “profound difference” they make to young people’s lives.
The local carers were among carers from across the Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) area who were commended for providing care to children for many years – two carers in particular have been involved for a remarkable 25 years.
Guest speaker, Kieran Downey, director of Women and Children’s Services at the Western Trust, said carers went “above and beyond their duty” to provide “loving and stable” environments for children and young people
He said: “This event aims to recognise the achievements of all of our foster carers. Foster carers are local heroes for us all and we owe them a tremendous gratitude for the job they do in often difficult circumstances.
“The thought of welcoming a child into your home can be daunting at first, but the fact we’re able to celebrate carers who have been fostering for up to 20 and even 25 years shows how incredibly rewarding it can be. These awards are the least we can do to thank all of these special people who have given their time to support children who needed a new home. I congratulate and thank all who received awards.”
Awards were presented in the following categories:
• Carers with 25 years of fostering • Recognition of services to fostering • Most Motivated Carer • Best Attendee at training • Tribute award in Memory of May Colgan.
Pat Armstrong, Western Trust Head of Service for Adoption, Fostering, Family Support and Early Years, said at a time when the need for foster carers was at an all-time high, it was “more important than ever” to thank exceptional foster carers who did “exceptional things” for young people.
He added: “We are committed to supporting our foster carers and preparing them for whatever they may have to deal with as part of their role.We are always in need of more carers to help provide this valuable and essential service, whether it is for long-term placements or weekend breaks, so we would urge anyone interested in fostering to come forward.”
If you would like details on how to become a foster carer you are invited contact the Western Trust’s Fostering Recruitment and Assessment Team on 028 71314244 or go to: www.adoptionandfostering.hscni.net.
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