Foster carers from Conwy have won a prestigious Fostering Excellence Award, recognising their exceptional contributions to foster care.
Steve and Lynne, who foster with their local authority, Foster Wales Conwy, were awarded The Fostering Network award for foster carers at The Fostering Excellence Awards, sponsored by The Mortgage Brain, in Birmingham on Tuesday.
Steve and Lynne started fostering for Foster Wales Conwy in 2011 and it very quickly became clear how skilled they were in caring for teenagers.
They have embraced all the new situations that have come with fostering, including supporting young people in their education to welcoming a mother and a baby into their home.
One of the young people who lived with Lynne and Steve has recently graduated from university. She sent Lynne a Mother’s Day card saying ‘thank you for being, and continuing to be, the Mum I always wished for. I wouldn’t be the same person I am today if you and Steve hadn’t come into my life.’
In her nomination, their social worker Sian McBride said Lynne and Steve ‘are a rare breed of foster carers in their understanding of teenagers, the ability to be flexible when needed, with bags of warmth, understanding, nurture and humour.
Conwy County Borough Council’s Head of Children and Family Services, Tesni Hadwin said:
“Steve and Lynne are a shining example of what foster care is all about and I'm delighted that they have received this national award in recognition of the positive impact that they have made over the years to the young people in their care.”
"Their commitment, energy and motivation is outstanding. We are truly grateful for all they have done, and for all they continue to do for local children and young people looked after in the county of Conwy.”
Steve and Lynne’s daughter, Corinna, says that being part of a fostering family is something really special. “I am so proud of my parents’ decision to become foster carers and for opening their doors to others who required a warm and caring family home.”
She added: “Fostering is so much more than “just a job”. My parents do it because they are humble, caring and empathetic people, with a passion for providing love and support to young people in need. I feel so lucky to have them as my parents, and for the bigger family we have now become.”
The annual Fostering Excellence Awards are the UK’s most prestigious foster care awards, celebrating outstanding achievements in fostering and recognise those who make exceptional contributions to foster care every day.
The award ceremony took place at Birmingham Repertory Theatre, hosted by broadcaster, TV presenter and inspirational speaker Ashley John Baptiste, who grew up in care himself.
Could you be a foster carer?
If you’re interested in finding out more about becoming a local authority foster carer and the rewards it can bring, please visit fosterwales.conwy.gov.uk or contact 01492 576308 or fostering@conwy.gov.uk for a no obligation chat.
Could you foster?
If you live in Conwy, contact Foster Wales Conwy and a member of our dedicated team will be in touch for a friendly, no obligation conversation to help you decide if fostering is right for you.
If you live anywhere else in Wales, visit Foster Wales for more information and to find your local authority fostering team.
