Gateshead celebrates foster carers with a combined total of 120 years' fostering
A special celebration of Gateshead foster carers with a combined total of 120 years fostering experience was held to recognise the amazing work they do in caring for children and young people.
The council's 'long service' event on Friday 8 May recognised the carers who have been fostering for between five and ten years, with an afternoon tea and presentations.
In that time, they have fostered over 150 children, supporting them through all aspects of life and making a huge difference for young people in the area.
Ahead of the event, the long service carers were asked to share what their proudest moments were in fostering. The heartfelt responses included that they were proud of seeing the children grow in confidence and their many achievements,
The carers also described taking joy in seeing the children enjoy holidays, some of which were first time experiences, as well as their everyday moments of happiness and being able to offer them security.
Helen Fergusson, Strategic Director of Children's Social Care and Lifelong Learning said: "It was lovely to be able to share such a special occasion with some of our foster carers.
"We are extremely proud and thankful for all our foster carers. They provide the children with a secure loving home and do an amazing job in supporting the children to progress throughout life and into independent adulthood."
Gateshead Council have many amazing foster carers but there is a need for more. Foster carers from all backgrounds, including from the LGBTQ+ community, single people, couples, people who own their home or rent. To foster a child, you need to be 21 or over and have patience and time to dedicate to the children that you care for and be able to provide a supportive, safe, and caring home.
If you feel you could make a difference to a child's life, contact our dedicated regional support hub Foster with North East on 0800 917 7771 or email [email protected].
A special celebration of Gateshead foster carers with a combined total of 120 years fostering experience was held to recognise the amazing work they do in caring for children and young people.
The council's 'long service' event on Friday 8 May recognised the carers who have been fostering for between five and ten years, with an afternoon tea and presentations.
In that time, they have fostered over 150 children, supporting them through all aspects of life and making a huge difference for young people in the area.
Ahead of the event, the long service carers were asked to share what their proudest moments were in fostering. The heartfelt responses included that they were proud of seeing the children grow in confidence and their many achievements,
The carers also described taking joy in seeing the children enjoy holidays, some of which were first time experiences, as well as their everyday moments of happiness and being able to offer them security.
Helen Fergusson, Strategic Director of Children's Social Care and Lifelong Learning said: "It was lovely to be able to share such a special occasion with some of our foster carers.
"We are extremely proud and thankful for all our foster carers. They provide the children with a secure loving home and do an amazing job in supporting the children to progress throughout life and into independent adulthood."
Gateshead Council have many amazing foster carers but there is a need for more. Foster carers from all backgrounds, including from the LGBTQ+ community, single people, couples, people who own their home or rent. To foster a child, you need to be 21 or over and have patience and time to dedicate to the children that you care for and be able to provide a supportive, safe, and caring home.
If you feel you could make a difference to a child's life, contact our dedicated regional support hub Foster with North East on 0800 917 7771 or email [email protected].
