Gateshead's fostering community celebrated at Fostering Awards
Our fostering community enjoyed magic performances, live music, dancing and award presentations at the Gateshead Fostering Awards, which was made all the more special as the first in two years.
The annual awards ceremony, which had to be cancelled twice due to the pandemic, took place at the Marriot Hotel to recognise the achievements of our foster children and carers throughout the year.
Categories for awards included 'Extra Mile' and 'Unsung Hero' and nominees were chosen by Gateshead's fostering community, including fostering support officers and social workers.
The Awards also gave children and young people the opportunity to vote for 'Most Amazing Carer' and recognised everyone who was nominated for their achievements.
Councillor Gary Haley, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "We were delighted to hold our Fostering Awards for the first time since 2019.
"Recognising the commitment to caring for children and young people is so important for Gateshead's fostering community. Every carer is a hero in our eyes and having the opportunity to come together in celebration of their achievements is always a highlight of the community's year.
"The awards are also an opportunity to see how the children and young people are thriving, which is a brilliant feeling for our all of us at Gateshead."
Andrea Houlahan, Deputy Strategic Director for Children's Social Work and Early Help, said: "Our Fostering Awards ceremony is always an emotional event, filled with love and joy for Gateshead's fostering community.
"The award for Most Amazing Carer is particularly moving for us all, as we're always taken by surprise when hearing why the children and young people nominated their carers.
"It's so important for us to remember that what makes our carers amazing is all the small stuff, the little things they do every day, that make the young people know that they are loved and that they are safe."
Our fostering community enjoyed magic performances, live music, dancing and award presentations at the Gateshead Fostering Awards, which was made all the more special as the first in two years.
The annual awards ceremony, which had to be cancelled twice due to the pandemic, took place at the Marriot Hotel to recognise the achievements of our foster children and carers throughout the year.
Categories for awards included 'Extra Mile' and 'Unsung Hero' and nominees were chosen by Gateshead's fostering community, including fostering support officers and social workers.
The Awards also gave children and young people the opportunity to vote for 'Most Amazing Carer' and recognised everyone who was nominated for their achievements.
Councillor Gary Haley, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "We were delighted to hold our Fostering Awards for the first time since 2019.
"Recognising the commitment to caring for children and young people is so important for Gateshead's fostering community. Every carer is a hero in our eyes and having the opportunity to come together in celebration of their achievements is always a highlight of the community's year.
"The awards are also an opportunity to see how the children and young people are thriving, which is a brilliant feeling for our all of us at Gateshead."
Andrea Houlahan, Deputy Strategic Director for Children's Social Work and Early Help, said: "Our Fostering Awards ceremony is always an emotional event, filled with love and joy for Gateshead's fostering community.
"The award for Most Amazing Carer is particularly moving for us all, as we're always taken by surprise when hearing why the children and young people nominated their carers.
"It's so important for us to remember that what makes our carers amazing is all the small stuff, the little things they do every day, that make the young people know that they are loved and that they are safe."
