More than 120 foster carers, social workers, and looked after children and young people are joining The Fostering Network Northern Ireland and Belfast Trust Fostering Service at the annual Fostering Achievement Awards in Belfast this weekend. 

The Awards, being held at Belfast City Hall on Saturday 19 September, will recognise the achievements of 40 children and young people who live with foster families, and cover a variety of areas including academic, social and sporting successes. 

Kathleen Toner, director of the Fostering Network Northern Ireland said: “These awards are an opportunity to celebrate the fostered children and young people who fill Belfast with so much pride. Their achievements are a reflection of the positive environment provided by their foster carers and fostering service, and it shows real determination and drive on their own part.

“As a charity we are aspirational for all fostered children, and those at the awards humble us in showing what can be achieved. I couldn’t be prouder to be part of fostering in Northern Ireland.”

Anne Deeny, Senior Social Worker Belfast Trust Fostering Service, said: “We are hugely proud of all the children and young people who received an award today. Most of these children have experienced a degree of disruption and instability in their lives – their achievements in all aspects of life including sport, music and education are all the more impressive because of this.

“Belfast Trust also wishes to acknowledge publicly the wonderful job foster carers do in giving children and young people the secure homes they need to develop their potential. We are extremely grateful to our foster carers who display great resilience and flexibility in the fostering task. We greatly value the contribution and efforts Belfast Trust foster carers make to the lives of children and young people.”

The Fostering Achievement Awards are part of the Fostering Achievement project, run by The Fostering Network with funding from the Health and Social Care Board and the Department of Education, which helps fostered young people to fulfil their potential.

If you are interested in fostering and would like to find out more then visit couldyoufoster.org.uk and find your local fostering service.