Celebrating foster carers in Slough, the unsung heroes of lockdown

Slough Children’s Services Trust celebrated the work of their foster carers, the unsung heroes of lockdown, at an online awards ceremony on Friday night. Although they were not able to come together in person as in previous years, it was still very important to acknowledge those who continue to devote their lives to vulnerable children and young people.

The evening was not only an opportunity to thank all foster carers and Home from Home carers for what they have done to keep children safe, it was a chance to present three long service awards to Mandy Foley, Sam and Des Cox and Helen Khanom and Abu Islam who have all reached the tremendous milestone of being foster carers for ten years.

Helen Khanom, one of the recipients of the ten year service awards, commented: “We feel very grateful to receive our ten year service award. We thoroughly enjoy fostering children in Slough and are proud to be able to contribute towards them.”

Sam Cox, another ten year award recipient, said: “It was a lovely evening and we felt really valued as foster carers. It was wonderful to see so many friendly faces even if it was on small screens! We really enjoy fostering!”

During the day, in the build up to the awards ceremony, 54 hampers containing a variety of treats were delivered to all of the Trust IFA’s foster carers and home from home carers as a small token of thanks for the incredible work they do.

Lockdown has been a challenge for all of us but for children, particularly those who already have limited stability in their lives, it has been an even greater challenge. Foster carers have played a vital role in improving that stability by continuing to open up their homes and their hearts to children who need it the most.

“Our foster carers do such a fantastic job and so it was important to recognise and acknowledge that contribution, even in the midst of the pandemic,” said Eleni Ioannides, interim chief executive at the Trust.

“Throughout the pandemic, our carers have continued to look after our young people in Slough, and provide a safe and secure environment for them. By sending them a hamper full of treats during the day, and recognising their contribution in the evening, we were still able to hold our awards ceremony and show our appreciation of the valuable work that they do,” said Saima Arif, service manager at the Trust’s Independent Fostering Agency.

The Slough Children’s Services Trust IFA is very much a family with children at the heart of everything they do. They are always looking for new foster carers to join the family and make a difference.

Slough Children’s Services Trust provides 24/7 support, excellent skills training and competitive allowances.  If you’re interested in finding out more about becoming a foster carer, please call 01753 690777, email foster@sloughchildrenfirst.co.uk  or visit our website at fosterforslough.com