A teenager from Pembrokeshire with ambitions of becoming a police officer has won a Fostering Excellence Award, the UK’s most prestigious fostering accolade, recognising her exceptional achievements.
Eleanor was awarded The Fostering Network Award for Young People, sponsored by John Lewis Partnership at The Fostering Excellence Awards in Birmingham on Tuesday.
Eleanor came to live with her foster carer Jokë, when she was five years old.
From the moment she arrived at Jokë’s, Eleanor always strived to do her best and was determined to overcome the challenges she faced.
Through hard work and perseverance, Eleanor enrolled in a Uniform Protected Services course at college two years ago.
Her determination shone through, and she passed with flying colours, has secured a place at university and aims to work in the police force.
Jokë, who fosters with Foster Wales Pembrokeshire, the local authority fostering service, credits Eleanor for all she has done to make a success of her life and said: “I will be by her side every step of the way – my home is her home.’
Melany Evans, Service Manager from Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “We are so proud of Eleanor for winning this award. Eleanor has demonstrated her determination to achieve her goals.
“This is a moment to reflect on the amazing achievements of our young people and of our fantastic foster carers who go the extra mile and ensure that their aspirations can become reality.
“It also shows how important a long term, stable home is for our young people in care, enabling them them to build better futures.”
The annual Fostering Excellence Awards are the UK’s most prestigious foster care awards, celebrating outstanding achievements in fostering and recognise those who make exceptional contributions to foster care every day.
The award ceremony took place at Birmingham Repertory Theatre, hosted by broadcaster, TV presenter and inspirational speaker Ashley John Baptiste, who grew up in care himself.
Chief executive of The Fostering Network Sarah Thomas said:“This year marks my first Fostering Excellence Awards as CEO and I am over the moon to be able to celebrate the outstanding work of people within our fostering communities in this way.
“It’s been such a joy to read everyone’s stories and hear about exceptional people who go above and beyond to support others.
“It’s an honour to be able to celebrate these incredible achievements with our annual awards as well as highlight the vital role fostering is playing to those outside the fostering community.
“The fostering community is truly a special one and all our winners, and everyone else involved in fostering in the UK should be incredibly proud of their contributions to foster care.
“With more than 7,000 fostering families needed in the UK, it’s vital that we get more exceptional foster carers on board to provide stable homes for children and young people.”