Cambridgeshire foster carers honoured during Fostering Fortnight
12.05.09
Cambridgeshire foster carers have been honoured for their commitment to helping some of the county's most vulnerable children during this year's Fostering Fortnight, launched this week.
Pathway Care Group, one of the UK's leading fostering agencies, with an office in Histon, in Cambridgeshire, treated 20 of its foster carers to a celebratory lunch to recognise their achievements. Foster carers were also encouraged to share their experiences with each other at the event, held at the Cathedral Centre in Palace Green, Ely.
Organised by the fostering charity the Fostering Network, Fostering Fortnight is an opportunity to highlight the work of foster carers throughout the UK and profile the valuable work they do helping at risk children and young people.
Two of the foster carers honoured at the event were Judy and Brian Lenehan. They have fostered three children over the last two years. Judy said: "It's a lovely gesture to be recognised in this way. Fostering is a challenging role but ultimately rewarding and we're proud of the work we do.
Brian added: "Pathway Care has been very supportive and it's great to meet up with other carers to swap advice and experiences. There was a wide mix of carers some who are new to fostering and others who have been doing it for many years, some of us care for siblings and babies and some us for teenagers, so there's plenty of good advice and experience to pick up and pass on."
Karen Parsons, carer recruitment officer for Pathway Care, said: "Our carers provide high quality care to many of the region's most vulnerable children and the lunch is an opportunity for us to recognise their hard work and professionalism. They offer an invaluable service helping children and young people from difficult backgrounds to rebuild their lives for the better and it's great to be able to thank them."
According to the Fostering Network, there is a shortage of 650 foster carers across the east of England.
Karen added: "The motivation for becoming a foster carer should always be a desire to work with vulnerable children and youngsters. More people are recognising the benefits a career in fostering offers such as flexible working, a structured career path, training and a generous fostering allowance. Fostering can be challenging, but for the right person it can be the best job in the world.
"We want to hear from existing foster carers and those who are considering fostering for the first time. We especially need foster carers to look after sibling groups and older children and teenagers. Apart from a spare room to be a good foster carers you need good listening skills, a great sense of humour and high energy levels."
For more information and an informal chat about fostering contact Pathway Care on tel: 01223 253 665; or visit the website: www.pathwaycare.com
