There was festive cheer this weekend as Brent’s hardworking foster carers gathered for their annual ball and awards ceremony.

Brent & Kilburn Times: Mayor of Brent Councillor Lesley Jones, foster carer Joy Gibb and Nigel Chapman attended the ballMayor of Brent Councillor Lesley Jones, foster carer Joy Gibb and Nigel Chapman attended the ball (Image: Archant)

Dozens of the borough’s hardworking foster carers enjoyed an evening of dancing and celebration at Foster Carers’ Ball last week..

The glitzy event, which was attended by dignitaries and councillors, paid tribute to the contribution foster carers make the to the Brent community and singled out six outstanding carers for “going their extra mile” in their fostering role.

Patrice Thomas, who has fostered in Brent for an 31 years, received an outstanding service award while five other carers were praised for their dedication as foster parents.

Foster carers support young people in care who have come from challenging home environments to provide them with safety, security and stability.

Cllr Ruth Moher, Brent council’s cabinet member for children and young people, said: “This evening honours all the extraordinary people who work hard to make sure that children who are unable to live with their birth families have the stability, love and support that they deserve.

“At Brent we strongly believe in supporting our foster carers so they can provide the best possible care to our children and young people in need.”

Prizes for the evening’s raffle were donated by Wembley Park, Tricycle Theatre and Reed Recruitment.

For more information on foster caring visit brent.gov.uk/fostering or call 020 8937 4538.