A couple from Worcestershire has made it to the finals of a national competition that celebrates the outstanding achievements of the foster care community in England.
The FosterTalk Awards, ‘Lockdown Stars’, is run by FosterTalk, a not-for-profit organisation that provides advice and guidance to foster carers and delivers Fosterline, a free government-funded helpline.
The awards are made up of eight categories, including Lifetime Achievement, Foster Carer of the Year and Outstanding Commitment to Fostering Children with Disabilities.
Adele and Mike Green from Kidderminster in Worcestershire have been short-listed for the latter category and were nominated by Lorraine Simms from Worcestershire Children First.
Laurie-Mo Gullachsen, Fostering and Kinship Manager at Worcestershire Children First said: “Adele and Mike have been foster carers for 10 years and the children who are in their care have been nurtured and loved alongside their own children.
“This past year has been particularly hard for the couple as they experienced the loss of two family members, but despite this they worked tirelessly to recreate a daily school routine for the children by running a kitchen classroom and making sure there were plenty of fun activities too.
“Adele and Mike are amazing foster carers and the family life they provide really does make a difference to the lives of children who have not had the best start in life.”
Tina Russell, Interim Chief Executive of Worcestershire Children First, said: “I am proud of all our foster carers and really value the work they do to support, love, and care for Worcestershire’s children and young people. This is fantastic news that recognises Adele and Mike and show cases their amazing work, commitment and dedication to children and I hope inspires others to become foster carers too.”
The winners of this year’s FosterTalk Awards, Lockdown Stars, will be announced at a virtual ceremony on Thursday, 20 May at 4pm. To find out more visit: FosterTalk Awards - Lockdown Stars - FosterTalk
Foster Care Fortnight runs until 23 May. Anyone interested in becoming a foster carer can attend an information session and get to talk to a foster carer ambassador.
The next session is taking place on Thursday 27 May 2021 at 18:00 and will be held on Microsoft Teams. For details how to join visit https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/fosteringevents
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