Thanking the foster parents who transform children’s lives

The amazing work of foster carers with Slough Children’s Services Trust was celebrated at a special awards evening held at the Copthorne Hotel.

The event was attended by around 40 local foster carers and saw a number of awards handed out, including those for long service.

A local couple, who can’t be named because of sensitivities around their foster child’s case, won the award for Outstanding Contribution.

They said: “Anonymously, we would like to say that our child has bought us so much love and joy. It is truly fantastic to see a child learn to have a voice and laugh unconditionally. It is so funny to hear him giving his opinions in family debates and makes us so proud to see the amazing, confident young man he is becoming! We know we all have a journey ahead of us but may it be as wonderful as the last two years.”

“I was humbled by the kindness and generosity of the foster carers. Providing safe and loving environments for vulnerable children is something we can all support,” said Suleman Baig, MD of Quadrin Financial Services Ltd, the event’s main sponsor. “Being from the area we felt a duty to support this cause. Our company ethos is to create a supportive network for growth and well-being. Foster carers start this cycle for children and young adults.”

It was attended by mayor of Slough Cllr Avtar Kaur Cheema, the mayoress Harpreet Kaur Cheema, Slough Children’s Services Trust’s Chief Executive Lisa Humphries and Fostering Service Manager Saima Arif.

Ms Arif said: “Our foster carers are brilliant and this event was a small token of thanks for everything that they do for our children. They really do change lives.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to stress to residents that there are still many children in urgent need of loving homes locally. Please don’t just think about it, make the call to find out more.”

Other businesses who supported the event with prizes for the foster carers were The Taplow Court Hotel, Stoke Park Hotel & Country Club, The Compleat Angler, Burnham Beeches Hotel, Sir Christopher Wren Hotel, Tummies Restaurant, The Boulters Lock Restaurant, Bifolco & Matty, True Beauty Salon, 5 Star Nails and Diamond Nail Bar. Asda and Tesco also contributed.