Last Friday (2 October), more than 50 foster carers were recognised at an awards ceremony held at Burgess Hall in St. Ives for their dedication to supporting Cambridgeshire's children in care.
The Foster Carer Awards provide an opportunity for Cambridgeshire County Council to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary commitment of the council's foster carers and the difference they make.
Enabling all children and young people to thrive is an essential part of the council’s ambition to ensure fairness and opportunity, wherever we can. This year, the awards recognised 45 different fostering households, celebrating milestones of five, ten, fifteen, twenty and fifty years of dedicated service.
Together, these fostering households have contributed more than 450 years of collective fostering service, reflecting decades of care and support for local children and young people.
The evening’s theme was Around the World in 80 Days, with many guests embracing the spirit of the occasion in colourful fancy dress. Attendees enjoyed an evening of food, refreshments and dancing, creating a fun and celebratory atmosphere as foster carers were recognised for their remarkable contributions.
Many touching and inspiring stories were shared throughout the evening, with foster carers recognised for opening their homes to children and young people, providing them with warmth, stability and a sense of belonging. They were praised for their encouragement, patience and unwavering support, helping children to build confidence, develop new skills and achieve more than they ever thought possible.
Councillor Edna Murphy, Chair of the Children and Young People’s Committee, said: “Tonight is about saying a huge thank you to our foster carers and recognising the incredible difference they make to children's lives.
"It is often the quiet, understated things that matter most to children: being there to listen, helping with homework, providing comfort during difficult times and giving children the confidence to believe in themselves. These moments may seem ordinary, but together they can be genuinely life changing and life enhancing.
"As we work to ensure fairness and opportunity wherever we can, I want to offer my huge and sincere thanks to all our foster carers. Your compassion, patience and dedication are transforming lives and strengthening communities every single day.”
The High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire, Mr Francis Burkitt DL, also in attendance, added: “I feel very privileged to have attended the awards this evening and to have met so many impressive and loving foster carers and heard their stories. The support, stability and encouragement they provide helps children and young people thrive, often during some of the most challenging periods of their lives. Their commitment is truly inspiring, and these awards are richly deserved.
“If fostering is something you've ever thought about, you can get in touch with the council’s Fostering team to find out more. You could make a huge difference to a child’s life while becoming part of a strong and caring community changing lives in Cambridgeshire every day.”
