Dedicated foster carers honoured at long service award event
Nottinghamshire’s foster carers have been honoured for their long service to fostering at a special event. With 50 foster carers at the lunch having completed more than 20 years fostering for Nottinghamshire by the end of the year.
They were presented with awards in honour of their long service, and they also received certificates and an enamel commemorative lapel pin in recognition of their life-changing work for vulnerable children and young people across the county.
Jackie is celebrating an incredible milestone, with 2026 being her 44th year as a foster carer, she said “it is something I enjoy doing. It is a 24 hours, seven days a week commitment and you have to have your heart and soul in it, you’ve got to be empathetic and caring.”
Having looked after 107 children so far Jackie first became a foster carer because her parents were also foster carers, “it is very rewarding. A child comes to you, that might have experienced terrible things, and by the time they leave you they’re a happy little child and thriving.”
Talking about the special event Jackie said: “It has been lovely, I like these dos, they’re really nice and you feel appreciated when they do this for you, you realise that they (NCC) realise how long you’ve been doing it and how much time and commitment you’ve given to this.”
The special afternoon tea took place at Cockliffe Country Hotel and was a chance for foster carers to be celebrated for their dedication.
Laura has been a foster carer for 26 years and talking about the lunch she said: “I have loved it. It is great getting together with foster carers that I have known for years, it has just been lovely and it is nice to be recognised.”
Councillor Rory Green, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “Our foster carers bring so much love and care for the children here in Nottinghamshire. It was truly an honour to spend time with some of our fantastic foster carers. They really are extraordinary people.
“Sitting with them at this special event, and listening to understand their everyday life was humbling. To them all: we value your; time, commitment and stability to keep showing up.
“We will continue to look after them as best as possible and I am excited to build on the relationship I’ve held since coming in a year ago. We admire you all for this beautiful act of love."
In Nottinghamshire, there are more than 900 children and young people in care and foster carers are still urgently needed. Anyone interested in fostering should get in touch with Foster For East Midlands.
