Hundreds of people packed out the Atrium in Shoreditch last week for 2016’s Foster Carers’ Awards, organised by Tower Hamlets Council’s fostering service.
The awards are held annually to recognise and celebrate the achievements of foster carers. This year’s event focused on celebrating diversity. Tower Hamlets’ foster carers and staff have links to over 30 countries and speak 20 languages between them.
Long Service Awards as well as awards for completing specialist training were distributed before the event moved to the Recognition Awards.
Five awards were given to carers in the category of ‘Outstanding contribution to bring about positive outcomes in a child’s life’. Mohammed Kamaly and Syeda Begum were recognised for their dedication in caring for a young person with significant mental health needs and for supporting another young person with their differing religious beliefs by regularly sitting with them in church.
Also in this category were Ritaj Abedean and Anu Miah who for the past 9 months have made daily 20 mile round trips in their own car to ensure the boys in their care arrive safely to and from school and for giving them a wonderful Christmas experience despite being of a different religious background.
Maria and Paul Ginn picked up an award for their dedication and commitment to fostering while Anthony Uddin and Momotaj Begum were recognised for taking numerous complex placements including supporting one young person whilst she underwent major surgery. Hindu and Chama Matata were commended for providing a thoughtful and stimulating home environment to 2 children with significant needs.
The night’s Special Award went to Afia Choudhury, who works tirelessly in supporting other carers by running support groups and training sessions. Afia was also commended for her enthusiasm in promoting others to foster and supporting applicants through the assessment process, all while providing a stable and loving foster home to three siblings.
The event was addressed by corporate director for children’s services, Debbie Jones, following a drinks reception. The awards were finished with a raffle, three course dinner and a disco, while attendees were given personalised cards and a gift to thank them for their contribution to fostering.
Special award winner Afia Choudhury said: “The work I do is to promote fostering, to help people find out about fostering and how wonderful and rewarding it is.
I was absolutely gobsmacked to receive my award and wasn’t expecting it at all. It’s a really good feeling to be acknowledged and it was a fantastic night; I’d like to thank children’s services for arranging it.”