Foster Carers Honoured at Progress Annual Awards Ceremony
In a celebration marked by warmth, reflection, and gratitude, Progress Fostering Service hosted its Annual Awards Ceremony and Lunch last Friday, honouring the unwavering dedication of foster carers who continue to provide life-changing support to children and young people.
The event, held in an atmosphere of camaraderie and appreciation, brought together foster carers, social workers, and senior leadership to commemorate milestones, acknowledge achievements, and reinforce the importance of their shared mission.
“This has been a really nice day celebrating foster carers on their journey,” said Tina Bhardwaj, Head of Children’s Services at Progress. “We have foster carers who’ve reached incredible milestones—five years, ten years, fifteen years—so it was important to pause and recognise their achievements and the hard work they’ve put in.”
The event also served as a rare opportunity for carers, staff, and leadership to connect in person. “It’s a chance for people to dress up, have a day out, and feel special,” Tina added. “And more importantly, it reminds us all why we do what we do.”
A poignant highlight of the ceremony was the speech delivered by Serena Richards, a former foster child who has since transitioned to independent adulthood. Her words served as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact that foster carers have on young lives, especially during challenging moments.
“I think my hope for foster carers is that they take home that they’re doing a fabulous job. It’s an amazing career path to go down, and yes, it is a job, but it’s more than parenting. It’s more than finances,” she said. “Hopefully, they will take away that they are needed, they’re loved, and we appreciate them.”
Reflecting on her personal journey, she shared how becoming a mother at a young age reshaped her perspective. “I think when I became a mum, as a teenager, I started thinking, actually, there’s more to this. What can I bring to the table that’s going to help people instead of just being the person that’s been helped?” she said.
For Michelle Earp, Fostering Manager, the gathering was particularly meaningful. Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledged how the past six months in her role had been shaped by both challenges and positive feedback from carers.
“I think it’s been a great success,” she said. “It’s lovely to see all the foster carers together, to celebrate our greatness, and to honour Gail, who meant so much to many of us.” Gail, a long-serving carer, was remembered fondly for her kindness and generosity, leaving a lasting legacy within the Progress community.
As part of the event, foster carers were invited to share feedback on their experiences, with Michelle keen to ensure that their insights shape the future of the service. “The proof will be in the pudding,” she said. “I’m looking forward to seeing the feedback and making sure we continue to address what carers need.”
Gemma Dugmore, Lead Support Worker, echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the importance of consistency in the fostering service. “There’s been a lot of positive feedback today,” she noted.
“With Michelle stepping up as Registered Manager and new social workers coming on board, there’s a stronger sense of stability. The carers are forming connections, and that’s critical for the children we support.”
Looking ahead, Progress Fostering Service remains committed to strengthening its support structures for carers while also addressing the national foster carer shortage. Tina emphasised the importance of recruitment and training to ensure that every child in need has access to a stable and caring home.
“We need more foster carers,” she said. “There are so many children coming into the care system, and our priority is to find and support the best possible carers for them.”
Among the key initiatives moving forward will be the development of structured training pathways and greater opportunities for professional growth within the fostering community. Gemma highlighted plans to introduce training sessions led by social workers to, among other things, enhance peer support.
“It’s all about building connections and ensuring that carers have the tools they need,” she said.
As the event came to a close, the sentiment shared among attendees was one of pride, gratitude, and renewed commitment. For those who dedicate their lives to fostering, the ceremony was more than just an awards event—it was a reaffirmation of the vital role they play in shaping brighter futures.
With another year ahead, Progress Fostering Service stands poised to continue its mission, fuelled by the dedication of its carers and the unwavering belief that every child deserves a home where they can thrive.
