Published: Monday, 28th October 2024
Oldham Council rolled out the red carpet for its incredible foster carers at the 2024 Fostering Awards night, celebrating an awe-inspiring total of 175 years of fostering experience, just as the borough marks its own 175th anniversary. The event showcased the tireless dedication of those who have opened their homes to some of Oldham’s most vulnerable children, providing not just a roof over their heads but a chance for a better future.
The celebration saw 14 foster carers receive special awards for their commitment to helping young people.
Youth Mayor Issac Quinn gave out the awards at a special ceremony which brought together dedicated foster carers, staff and service leads, Cabinet member for Children and Young People, Cllr Shaid Mushtaq, and the Leader of Oldham Council, Cllr Arooj Shah.
Three foster carers were honoured for five years of service, six for 10 years, three for 15 years, one for 20 years, and one dedicated pair received an outstanding award for 35 years of fostering.
In addition, Kinship carers were celebrated for their vital role in fostering, highlighting the importance of family and community support. Kinship carers are relatives or close friends who step in during crises to care for children when their parents are unable to.
Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, highlighted the extraordinary efforts of the borough’s foster carers: “Our foster carers are the backbone of our community. The love, stability, and support they offer is life changing for the children they care for.
"As we celebrate 175 years of Oldham being a borough, it is fitting that we also acknowledge the 175 years of combined fostering experience that have shaped the lives of so many young people, but we need more heroes like these.
"We urge anyone who is considering fostering to come forward and join this incredible group of people.”
The stars of the night
Among the evening’s stars were Lynda and Ron, recognised for their amazing 35 years of fostering. The couple is known for keeping large sibling groups together and providing both emergency and long term care. Their commitment has made them a key part of Oldham’s fostering community, and they continue to offer love and support, currently fostering three babies. One young adult they previously cared for still visits them during the holidays, showing the lasting difference they’ve made in many lives.
The night also honoured Michael and Patricia, who have been fostering for 20 years. They have given a loving, permanent home to two young people and have helped many others as well. Their kind and caring approach has improved the lives of countless children.
Going the extra mile
The night celebrated not just years of service, but also the extraordinary dedication foster carers show day in and day out. Danny, a single foster carer for 15 years, was praised for supporting young people into adulthood, guiding them into employment and even university. Danny’s ability to nurture each child’s unique talents has made him a life-changing figure in many children’s lives.
Julie and Alan, who’ve been fostering since 2019, were celebrated for their work with teenagers, offering much needed stability at a challenging time in life. Meanwhile, Michaela and Liam were honoured for their dedication to the three sisters they’ve been fostering, making sure they stay together and grow as a family.
A call for help, our children in Oldham need YOU!
But while the evening was a celebration, it also carried an urgent message. Oldham Council needs more foster carers to step up. The demand for safe, loving homes for children is growing, and the council is calling on residents to consider fostering.
Fostering is the most rewarding thing you can do. You can change a child’s life, and in return, they change yours.
From single carers like Sasha, who was recognised for her outstanding work in just her first year of fostering, to long term heroes like Debra and Darren, who took in a young man’s entire family when he unexpectedly became a father, the evening was full of inspiring stories. More carers are needed to help children in Oldham find safe and loving homes.
Make a difference today
If you’ve ever considered fostering, now is the time. Oldham’s foster carers are true local heroes, and you could join them. For more information, contact Oldham Council’s fostering team by calling 0300 303 0321.
Oldham Fostering Service is now part of Foster for Greater Manchester, which brings together all ten local councils in the area to recruit more foster carers.
To ask about becoming a foster carer with Oldham Council, please fill out this form and remember to mention Oldham: Request an information pack