Hillingdon Council Honours Foster Carers at Special Awards Ceremony
Foster carers recognised for their exceptional dedication, compassion, and commitment to supporting children in the borough.
By Priya Shah
••3 min read
London Borough of Hillingdon
Hillingdon Council has recognised the outstanding dedication of its foster carers at a special awards ceremony held at Brunel University of London on Friday, 6 November.
The Foster Carers Appreciation Awards celebrated the significant difference foster carers make in children's lives, with twelve awards presented to honour their efforts and the remarkable ways they support children.
Awards were presented by the Deputy Mayor of Hillingdon, Cllr Colleen Sullivan, and Donna Hugh, the council's assistant director for care provision services. Shannon Callaghan from Cowley received the Exceptional Care Award for her five years of service, going above and beyond in providing care, stability, and support. She currently cares for a 16-year-old boy and provides respite care.
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"I feel quite privileged that I'm in a position to win an award – I feel proud. I wanted to be able to care and love, and I know how much I can give, and I wanted to give that to my foster child, as well as that stability. The difference from when he came to me and now – he's a completely different child. I think these awards are really special, and it celebrates the strengths of foster carers."
Ellie and Jonny Rickards from Ickenham, who provide respite and emergency foster care, were honoured with the Newcomer of the Year Award for their outstanding commitment, compassion, and flexibility. They encouraged younger residents to consider fostering, highlighting the diversity of children in Hillingdon.
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"It's really lovely to be recognised. You want to live in a society where people are willing to step up and do the jobs that need doing and being able to be part of that is such a privilege. It was a lovely occasion and our sense of awe for the community has just grown."
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"When you have the children in front of you and you're having to make a million tiny decisions all the time, to have this external validation that we're doing a really good job is so rewarding."
Diana and Felix Asamoah received the Sibling Support Award for their excellent, nurturing, and child-centred care. Felix stated, "Fostering for me means taking care of people, providing a lovely home, and making the world a better place for somebody who's struggling, who is having difficulty, and creating that loving environment for a future for somebody to become great."
Nine other awards were presented, including Outstanding Commitment, Mentor of the Year, and Community Impact. Cllr Susan O'Brien, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet Member for Adults, Children, Health and Care, praised the carers for offering stability, encouragement, and care that has a lasting impact.
Hillingdon Council offers a competitive package for foster carers, including potential earnings of up to £1,500 per week, a 25 per cent reduction in council tax, £1,000 off utility bills, and a family Merlin and leisure pass.
More information about fostering with Hillingdon can be found at www.fosterwithwestlondon.org.uk/contact/hillingdon or by calling 020 8753 1075.
