Gateshead celebrates foster carers with a total of 831 years' fostering at first long service event
A special celebration of Gateshead foster carers with a combined total of 831 years fostering experience was held to recognise the amazing work they do in caring for children and young people.
The council's first 'long service' event on Monday (18 March) recognised the carers who have been fostering for ten years or more with an afternoon tea, presentations and special guests including the mayor.
Attending carers varied from those who had reached the ten-year milestone as recently as this month, and others who have been fostering for over 30 years.
In that time, they have fostered hundreds of 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's achievements, including their progression throughout school and into employment or university, or achieving their goals in sport or other activities.
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.
Councillor Gary Haley, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said: "It was lovely to be able to share such a special occasion with some of our foster carers.
"The celebration was our opportunity to thank our long service foster carers for everything they do for the children they care for.
"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 contact@fosterwithnortheast.org.uk.
A special celebration of Gateshead foster carers with a combined total of 831 years fostering experience was held to recognise the amazing work they do in caring for children and young people.
The council's first 'long service' event on Monday (18 March) recognised the carers who have been fostering for ten years or more with an afternoon tea, presentations and special guests including the mayor.
Attending carers varied from those who had reached the ten-year milestone as recently as this month, and others who have been fostering for over 30 years.
In that time, they have fostered hundreds of 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's achievements, including their progression throughout school and into employment or university, or achieving their goals in sport or other activities.
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.
Councillor Gary Haley, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said: "It was lovely to be able to share such a special occasion with some of our foster carers.
"The celebration was our opportunity to thank our long service foster carers for everything they do for the children they care for.
"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 contact@fosterwithnortheast.org.uk.
