Tameside foster carers honoured for life-changing dedication

Local foster carers who open their hearts and homes to vulnerable children and young people have been recognised for their incredible commitment to changing lives across the borough.

Tameside Council held a special celebration on Tuesday 4 November at The Restaurant, Tameside College, to thank foster carers for the love, stability, and support they provide every day.

Eleven fostering households, including respite, long-term, short-term, and kinship carers, received awards celebrating between five and an astonishing 45 years of service. In total, 20 foster carers were honoured for the extraordinary impact they have made in young lives.

A highlight of the evening was the Special Recognition Award, presented to 75-year-old Jennifer Nash for her unwavering dedication. Known for always stepping forward, whether responding to emergency callouts or offering support outside of regular hours, Jen was praised for welcoming every child with warmth and compassion.

Speaking about her favourite part of fostering, Jen said: “I love caring for the babies, and you get on their wavelength.

But then moving them on in their journey to their forever home, which is horrible for me for selfish reasons, but it’s lovely seeing the children want their forever home.”

Among the carers celebrated was Karen, who has fostered for 15 years alongside her son, Ryan. She shared a cherished memory of their very first foster placement, a five-year-old boy arriving in a snowy winter, dressed head-to-toe in Thomas the Tank Engine and bursting with excitement.

“He was so happy to be there, full of energy and life,” Karen recalled.

“He actually called us this morning, he still calls us mum and dad, and he’s 21 years old tomorrow.

“Fostering can be hard but it’s worth every single minute and I would tell people to not even think twice. Being a foster carer is a privilege.”

The event brought carers together to enjoy food, shared experiences, and a community raffle with prizes generously donated by local organisations including Bromley’s Solicitors, Ava Beauty, Holistic Healing, Team Sensible, Candy’s Cupcakes, and AN Wellness.

Currently, more than 600 children in Tameside need safe and supportive homes, but there are only around 80 foster carers. The council is urging more people to consider fostering, emphasising that it is flexible and open to individuals from all walks of life.

Anyone over 21 with patience, kindness, and a spare room can foster, and those wishing to care for babies under two don’t even need a spare bedroom.

Fostering locally helps children stay close to their schools, friends, and support networks. Carers receive full training, ongoing support, and a fostering allowance.

Cllr Teresa Smith, Executive Member for Children and Families, praised the borough’s carers: “Our foster carers give children and young people in care the very best start in life… It’s so important that we recognise and celebrate them, they absolutely deserve it.

“Foster carers are invaluable. They make life-changing differences in the lives of children, and we need more people like them.”

If you’re interested in fostering or would like more information: call 0300 303 032, email enquire@fosterforgm.com or visit fosterforgm.com/tameside