Local foster carer wins award for keeping siblings together, presented by foster son

On an evening in December, Lewisham Council hosted an awards ceremony as a way to say thank you to hardworking foster carers for all the support, nurturing and security they give to Lewisham children. This was the first in-person ceremony since the start of the pandemic and staff and carers were happy to finally be able to celebrate together. The atmosphere was excited and upbeat as foster carers and staff chatted over food and cheered on the night’s winners.

Awards were collected by over 22 foster carers over the night, including one who was awarded for serving over 20 years as a foster carer who had her first placement in 1998. Others included Fostering Family of the Year, Outstanding Work in Support Diversity and Commitment to Caring for Teenagers.

There was not a dry eye in the house when Lewisham foster carer Esther was presented with an award by Elijah, a 17-year-old who has lived with ‘Auntie Esther’ since 2014 with his brothers, for keeping the siblings together. The past few years were difficult for Esther and her family as her husband, Emmanuel, had passed away suddenly. However, with the support of her family, friends, and the fostering service, Esther was able to keep Elijah and his brothers in her home.

Esther said of the experience, “Seeing the young man who came into my home eight years ago stand up in front of an audience and thank me is something I will never forget. Fostering is filled with so many profound moments like this- ones that make you think about who you are and stay with you for years after. Losing my husband was such a painful shock. However, I did not want that tragedy to lead to another by seeing my boys potentially be separated into different homes. I was determined to keep my boys together in their home. It was hard, but we made it work and it's an accomplishment I will be proud of for the rest of my life.

Coming into care is such a difficult experience and splitting up siblings can make it even worse. This is why we need foster carers who can go that extra mile and take in sibling groups. Yes, it multiples the work, but it also multiples the love and satisfaction your home can provide”.

Elijah said, “I wanted to present the award to Esther as it is a great way to show my appreciation, even when sometimes I don’t always tell her how thankful I am.

Losing Emmanuel was difficult for all of us. However going through something traumatic with someone draws you closer and that is what happened for my brothers, Esther and me. Staying together was so important for us. Since, moving in with Esther I have matured and become more patient, kind and happy. We are a household of faith and this has helped me with learning how to navigate life”.

Janet Daby, MP for Lewisham East was also in attendance and said, “Before starting a career in politics, I was a social worker in a fostering service and have seen first-hand the inspiring work of local foster carers. Yet, I was still blown away by the remarkable stories of Lewisham foster carers. Foster carers are unsung heroes and I encourage local residents wanting to make a difference in a young person’s life to contact Lewisham about starting your fostering journey.”

Awards were collected by over 22 foster carers over the night, including one who was awarded for serving over 20 years as a foster carer who had her first placement in 1998. Others included Fostering Family of the Year, Outstanding Work in Support Diversity and Commitment to Caring for Teenagers.

Lewisham Council offers all foster carers competitive allowances, support and training. There are a range of different fostering options from short-term, emergency placements to long-term, permanent placements, and social workers speak with potential carers to see what works for their lives and families.

Most importantly, Lewisham foster carers are part of a community made up of truly passionate, caring and experienced social workers and carers who are making a real difference in their local community.

If you think you could make a difference in a child’s life contact Lewisham Council for an informal discussion on 0800 015 0129 or email at fosteringrecruitment@lewisham.gov.uk alternativelyfind out more by visiting our webpage.