Every year, The Fostering Network in Northern Ireland hosts the Foster Care Awards. This superb event brings together foster carers, kinship carers and social workers to celebrate their efforts and achievements.
Planning is currently underway for this year's awards ceremony.
Northern Ireland Foster Care Awards 2024
200 people gathered at the Doubletree by Hilton in Templepatrick on Friday 27 September to celebrate the dedication of foster carers from across the five Health and Social Care Trusts and four Independent Fostering providers. Hosted by BBC's Mark Simpson with some help from his wife Catherine, guests were treated to a wonderful performance from a young person and enjoyed a lovely 4 course meal.
Lifetime Achievement Award – Diane and Pat, from the Northern Trust
Pat and Diane have been foster carers for 45 years, dedicating much of their lives to providing complex care to children with complex needs. Many of the children they provided care for are still a part of their family today.
After an incredible commitment to fostering, providing a huge amount of love and care, they have made the difficult decision to retire. Earlier this year, in June, they were awarded and MBE for services to foster care by the King, and were placed on the King’s honour list.
Pat and Diane recently attended the wedding of one of the young people they cared for, who asked Pat to walk her down the aisle.
As these two wonderful foster carers come to the end of their fostering journey, they advise others who are considering fostering to give it a go. They said: “Fostering is lots of fun! We did things we wouldn’t otherwise have done. It has kept us young.”
Special recognition award – Ashleigh and John from South Eastern Trust
Ashleigh and John care for a five-year-old who requires round-the-clock care and support for all elements of his life, including eating and breathing.
Ashleigh became aware through the young boy’s circumstances through work and expressed an interest in caring for him. While John was daunted at first, they both created a strong bond with the boy. The couple were initially told he would never leave hospital or reach the age of two, however they’ve been able to take him to Legoland to meet Santa and have taken him on an aeroplane.
It is really challenging for Ashleigh and John when M has to go to hospital for periods of time, but they described him as their centre, and that caring for him is the best thing they have ever done. They have a good relationship with the boy’s birth parents. They are now taking the steps to formally adopt him.
The couple’s social worker David Campbell nominated them both for the award. He said: “Getting M out and about can be very difficult, but John and Ashleigh have shown that it isn’t impossible and the love and care they give him is incredibly admirable.”
Full list of award winners
Excellence in Kinship Care
Seanine Holmes
Wendy and Robin Allen
Excellence in Foster Care
Gail and Stephen Hill Belfast trust
Nicola MacGregor Action for Children
Patricia and Michael McCarthy and Ken and Judith Finch Barnardo’s
Barbara Caldwell Northern Trust
Cathy Mills FCA
Gillian and David Park Kindercare
Anne Veitch South Eastern Trust
Mary and John McGrane Southern Trust
Maggie Crawford Western Trust
Lifetime Achievement Award
Diane and Pat McCourt
Special Recognition Award
Ashleigh and John Marshall
If you would like more information on Northern Ireland Foster Care Awards please call The Fostering Network in Northern Ireland on 02890705056.