A festival of fostering in Central Bedfordshire
Thursday, 7 September 2023
Fostering families from across the borough came together on Saturday 2 September, for this year’s celebration of fostering.
Our annual celebration of fostering is our way of saying thank you to our fostering families for their dedication to children in care.
This year, the festivities were held at the Cross Keys, Pulloxhill. With welcome drinks on arrival, foster carers, children and young people were treated to a fun packed day, with a BBQ, entertainment for children, a lively disco, and giant inflatables in the garden for all ages to enjoy. Thankfully the weather was kind!
The highlight of the day was the presentation to our dedicated long serving foster carers. Ten remarkable families were honoured this year with awards for 5, 10 and 15 years of service celebrated.
Natalie Hale, award winning foster carer said:
I was very surprised to get my award, and hearing the lovely words about my family and it has given me such a confidence boost I think I needed.
I love being a foster carer, I know my children do also and I really feel our family was supposed to be on this fostering journey.
It's very bittersweet our 'job' but as much as people can say I have changed three little one’s lives, I don't think people ever think how these little ones help changed my children's and my lives as well for the better.
Alison Lloyd, award winning foster carer said:
My 10-year milestone has crept up on me and I was delighted to receive an award and recognition for my time fostering.
Although fostering for 10 years, I have only had one placement, 2 siblings, whom I have seen through from Primary/Secondary to post-college and university, respectively. My focus and sole purpose to foster has been to keep siblings together and to nurture them for a long period of time, giving them stability and structure and ensuring they understand that I will always be there – whether they want me there or not! It definitely hasn’t been easy, but I am so proud of them both and whilst I know they will fledge in due course, they will always have a special place in my heart and my extended family and will always have a bedroom and me on speed-dial, should they ever need it.
Though not all awardees could attend, their contributions were acknowledged and celebrated.
On top of an awards ceremony and a fantastic day out for families, the event also gives families the opportunity to come together with other carers, allowing them to share experience and build strong support networks.
Councillor Hayley Whitaker, our Executive Member for Families, Education and Children said:
What a great day and congratulations to all the award winners.
Thank you to all our foster carers who are providing a loving, caring home for some of our most vulnerable children and young people. Our foster carers are truly amazing, the difference you are making to people’s lives is unmeasurable.
In the lives of young people in care, the significance lies not just in the grand events, but the ordinary moments that make up their everyday experiences. The family time spent together, walks shared mealtimes, and the comfort of daily routine is where true value resides.
Find out more about becoming a foster carer
You can also call the team on 0300 300 8181.