Oldham's most dedicated foster carers celebrated at ceremony

At the Oldham Event Centre Boundary Park, 17 families from across the borough were praised for their combined 160 years of fostering children in Oldham and their continued commitment to the service.

The event honoured seven families for their five years of service, six for 10 years, three for 15 years, and one family for an 20 years of fostering, with each carer receiving flowers, a gift voucher, and a certificate.

Among those honoured were Sharon and Bev O’Neil-Watson, who have been fostering in Oldham for more than 10 years.

Bev and Sharon O'Neill-Watson (Image: Oldham Council)

They said: “Fostering is incredibly rewarding and inspiring for you and the children you care for. You may not realise the impact you've had until they come back and say, 'You were the best thing that ever happened to me.'

“It's wonderful. The support from the fostering team and fellow carers is fantastic. Receiving this 10-year award is a big deal - it symbolises a decade of love, learning, and helping kids grow.

“It's not just about the years - it's about the moments, the support, and the lives we've changed. Here's to 10 more years of making a real difference."

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The annual event, which was held for the 11th time, brings together some of Oldham's most dedicated foster carers, with awards handed out by leaders from Fostering and Adoption Services.

Cllr Shaid Mushtaq, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People attended the event and said: "Congratulations and a huge thank you to all the foster carers, the contribution they make to the lives of our children and young people is immeasurable.

"They deserve recognition and all the accolades they receive."

Cllr Shaid Mushtaq speaking at the event (Image: Oldham Council)

Julie Daniels, Director of Children's Social Care and Early Help said: "We always look forward to this. It's our way of honouring the hard work of our foster carers.

"We're always looking for more people to become foster carers. Seeing how long many have committed to this role shows how fulfilling it is and how much they enjoy it."

From left to right: Lisa Oates, Head of Fostering and Adoption; Julie Daniels, Director of Children's Social Care and Early Help; Nick Whitbread, Assistant Director for Corporate Parenting and Kim Nield, Head of Independent Review (Image: Oldham Council)

Oldham Council welcomes individuals over 21, regardless of their background or relationship status, to consider fostering if they have space in their homes and a passion for working with children.

The council promises complete support, including a dedicated social worker, around-the-clock help, training, and a good financial package.

Those interested in becoming foster carers can get in touch with Oldham Council's fostering team at 0161 770 6600 or visit https://www.oldham.gov.uk/fostering.