Son of Aberlour Foster Carers awarded prestigious Fostering Excellence Award
A son of two Aberlour foster carers from Fife has been awarded a prestigious Fostering Excellence Award, recognising his outstanding contributions to foster care.
Sam, whose parents foster with Aberlour Fostering, was awarded The Fostering Network Award for Children of Foster Carers, sponsored by, Williams Giles Xeinadin Group, at The Fostering Excellence Awards in Birmingham on Tuesday 17th October.
Sam, aged 13, has been praised for having patience and understanding beyond his years when supporting the two girls his family fosters. Since they stepped into his home Sam has taken his duties as a big brother very seriously, sharing toys and encouraging them to join in his games. Sam has also taught the girls to paddleboard, which they now love.
The family have faced challenges over the years, including bereavement, but the support Sam has shown has been unwavering.
Grace Forkgen from Aberlour Fostering, who nominated Sam, says the struggles he’s faced have only made him more empathetic towards the girls and the challenges they experienced when coming into foster care.
Earlier this year, Sam’s mum was taken into hospital, and he put his own worries aside to support and reassure the girls as he knew they’d be worried.
Grace said: ‘I credit Sam for the difference he has made in the girls’ life. Without his support, help and role modelling, it may not have been possible for them to feel so welcomed, safe and loved.’
The annual Fostering Excellence Awards are the UK’s most prestigious foster care awards, celebrating outstanding achievements in fostering and recognise those who make exceptional contributions to foster care every day.
Sam said: ‘I feel humbled about winning this award. I just do what I do every day and didn’t expect to receive any recognition for this.
‘I think it’s important for my sisters to see what a loving and caring family looks like. I enjoy having them around as it has given me the opportunity to be a big brother and have siblings to have fun with.
‘I was involved in the discussions that took place when we were deciding, as a family, what kind of child/children would be a good addition to our family. I’m quite outgoing and enjoy being active so wanted a brother or sister to join us in the activities we do, like tennis and water sports.
‘I’m a bit older now so I help Mum and Dad and sometimes when I see that they’ve had a hard day with my sisters, I will go to their rooms and talk to them about how their day has been and help them with their homework. This helps Mum and Dad get some time to recharge or to make our dinner!
‘I think it’s important for families to foster because there are so many children just looking for a home and to be part of a family. It can be hard sometimes, but I wouldn’t change my sisters, as it feels like they’ve always just been a part of our family.’
The award ceremony took place at Birmingham Repertory Theatre, hosted by broadcaster, TV presenter and inspirational speaker Ashley John Baptiste, who grew up in care himself.
Chief executive of The Fostering Network Sarah Thomas said: ‘This year marks my first Fostering Excellence Awards as CEO and I am over the moon to be able to celebrate the outstanding work of people within our fostering communities in this way.
‘It’s been such a joy to read everyone’s stories and hear about exceptional people who go above and beyond to support others. It’s an honour to be able to celebrate these incredible achievements with our annual awards as well as highlight the vital role fostering is playing to those outside the fostering community.
‘The fostering community is truly a special one and all our winners, and everyone else involved in fostering in the UK should be incredibly proud of their contributions to foster care.
‘With more than 7,000 fostering families needed in the UK, it’s vital that we get more exceptional foster carers on board to provide stable homes for children and young people.’