A caring couple have been recognised with an award for their outstanding foster care work they carry out in Brent.
Lisa Sampson and Aron Rename from Camden take on foster children from all over the borough, they have received the Kinship Foster Care Award at the FosterTalk Foster Carer Awards, which recognises carers who look after family members.
Lisa, 31, and Aron, 32, who are foster carers with Brent Council, were nominated for the loving way they have cared for Lisa’s half-sisters Megan, 15, and Tilly, 13, for the past six and half years.
Megan said: “They have done so much for us, helping us when we lost people who were close to us, including our Dad. They have supported us, even though our behaviour has been challenging sometimes and have never given up on us. We can count on them, no matter what. They feel almost like our real parents and make us feel happy and secure. We love being with them. They have always helped us to explore new things, take us on holiday and just be happy and loved.”
Ten awards to recognise the dedication of foster carers in the UK were handed out by Edward Timpson MP, Minister for Children and Families, and TV chef Lorraine Pascale, at a ceremony in London on Tuesday last week (October 21).
Lisa said: “We were so chuffed when we heard about the award – it was a real boost for us and the girls. It’s been a very hard time with mum being so ill and losing other members of the family all at the same time. The girls have had a lot to deal with at a young age, so this award is particularly special for our family.”
Hundreds of foster carers were nominated for the awards, established to mark the 10th anniversary of FosterTalk, a service set up to provide nationwide specialist independent support to foster carers in areas such as legal and financial advice and counselling.
Councillor Ruth Moher, Brent Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people, said: “The work done by foster carers too often goes unnoticed by many people, so I am thrilled for Lisa and Aron in that they have been recognised for their dedication and hard work with this FosterTalk award.”
Having been fostered at the age of eight, Lorraine Pascale understands what it takes to be a great foster carer, she said: "I am proud to be a part of this celebration which shines a light on the important role that foster carers play in our communities. I know, from personal experience, the transformational difference they can make to the children in their care and the availability of the type of support offered by FosterTalk is crucial to successful placements."
Today FosterTalk helps more than 21,000 foster carers nationwide, working alongside over 120 fostering providers in the support of their foster carers.
