Foster carers honoured at Shropshire celebration event
Shropshire Council celebrated the dedication, compassion and achievements of its foster carers at a special Foster Carer Celebration held at Shrewsbury Town Football Club on Friday 3 July.
The event brought together mainstream and kinship foster carers from across the county for an evening of recognition and appreciation. Hosted in the Sovereign Suite overlooking the pitch, the celebration highlighted the vital role foster carers play in providing safe, stable and nurturing homes for local children and young people.
Shropshire Fostering is Shropshire Council’s fostering service, recruiting, training and supporting local people to care for children who cannot live with their birth families. Foster carers provide safe, loving homes where children and young people can feel secure, build confidence and reach their full potential.
A key part of the evening was the presentation of three special awards recognising foster carers who have gone above and beyond to make a lasting difference to children’s lives.
[L-R]: Sonya Miller, Councillor Ruth Houghton, High Sheriff of Shropshire Katy Tanner, David Shaw. (Credit: Still Works Studio)
The Stability & Dedication Award was presented to Carol and Steve Mills for the loving, secure family life they have provided to a young person over many years, helping them feel safe, valued and supported.
The Special Recognition Award was presented to Sally Gibson, whose commitment to both children and fellow foster carers has made a significant contribution to Shropshire’s fostering community.
Guest of honour was the High Sheriff of Shropshire, Katy Tanner, who joined carers and support workers in celebrating the achievements of the council’s fostering community. Awards were presented by David Shaw, Director of Children’s Services, and Sonya Miller, Service Director of Children & Young People, who thanked carers for the remarkable difference they make every day.
Councillor Andy Hall, Portfolio Holder for Children and Education, said:
“Fostering changes lives. Events like this are so important because they allow us to celebrate the extraordinary contribution foster carers make every day, not only to the children they care for, but to families and communities across Shropshire. We need more amazing people to consider fostering, and I would encourage anyone who thinks they could offer a child a safe and loving home to find out more.”
David Shaw, Director of Children’s Services, added:
“Every child deserves the chance to grow up feeling safe, supported and loved, and that is exactly what our foster carers provide. The stories recognised through these awards show the incredible difference that fostering can make, helping children build confidence, achieve their goals and develop lasting relationships that stay with them throughout their lives. We are immensely proud of all our foster carers and grateful for the commitment, warmth and stability they provide to children and young people across Shropshire.”
To find out more about becoming a foster carer for Shropshire Council, visit Foster Care In Shropshire | Shropshire Fostering | Home
