R&B star Shola Ama added sparkle to an awards ceremony in Wembley to celebrate the hard work and commitment of local foster carers in Brent.
The singer of the 1997 hit ‘You Might Need Somebody’, and was born and raised in Brent, volunteered to join the Cllr Parvez Ahmed, mayor of Brent and Cllr Margaret McLennan, deputy leader of the council, at the Blue Room in Wembley Hill Road.
Eight foster carers were recognised for demonstrating resilience and commitment in their fostering roles.
They were praised for providing nurturing and supportive homes for children and young people who are unable to stay with their birth families.
Muhammed Hussein who won an award with wife Misba said: “We were surprised, delighted and so happy to be recognised for all the hard work we have put into fostering over the last 10 years. We are very grateful to staff and our social worker for nominating us for this award. Thank you so much.”Award winner Deborah Reid who has been fostering for 12 years with husband Norman, added: “I was surprised and shocked. I didn’t expect to get a reward for something I love doing. I would definitely advise anyone who is thinking about fostering to step forward. It’s a challenging but very rewarding role. I will certainly keep on fostering for as long as I can.”
Cllr McLennan said: “I am delighted to see so many foster carers rewarded for their commitment to helping children and young people in care. Fostering changes people’s lives around and we are very grateful to all of our foster carers who have opened up their hearts and their homes to vulnerable local children and young people.
“Fostering changes people’s lives around and we are very grateful to all of our foster carers who have opened up their hearts and their homes to vulnerable local children and young people.
“We urgently require more fosters carers, so if you have experience of working with children and can provide a home for children in need, please contact us.”
For more information go to brent.gov.uk/fostering or call 020 8937 4538.
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