Foster with Slough, the Independent Fostering Agency of Slough Children First, proudly celebrated its annual Carers Awards Ceremony on Friday 14 November. The event brought together foster carers, kinship carers, and Home from Home carers from across Foster with Slough and Slough Children First’s services at the Pinewood Hotel in Buckinghamshire to honour their remarkable dedication to children and young people across the borough.
The evening opened with a warm welcome from Saima Arif, Head of Regulated Services, who recognised the vital role carers play in providing stability, guidance, and love. Her remarks set the tone for a celebration that reflected not only a year of achievements but also a year strengthened by community spirit, shared commitment, and meaningful impact.
Throughout the night, guests celebrated key milestones including the approval of new carers, the development of innovative support programmes such as Mockingbird Hubs and Resilience Foster Care, and the ongoing commitment carers have demonstrated through training, peer support groups, recruitment events, and community activities.
The extraordinary contributions of all carers, including long-serving carers who have consistently gone above and beyond in their roles, were also acknowledged, as well as the important role the Slough Fostering Association plays.
The Slough Fostering Association is run by (foster) carers for (foster) carers, providing vital activities, events, and practical support that strengthen and celebrate the fostering family. They were thanked for their leadership and commitment to building a strong fostering community.
Sue Butcher, Executive Director of Children’s Services and Chief Executive of Slough Children First, shared heartfelt words of gratitude, reminding attendees that, together, they are shaping “young lives filled with care, guidance, and love because of your commitment.” Sue highlighted standout moments from the past year: national award nominations for both children and carers, the introduction of sibling mascot bears Freddie and Frieda, appearances on BBC Berkshire Radio, and positive Ofsted feedback praising the warm, trusting relationships foster carers build. She emphasised that carers’ resilience, compassion, and dedication remain at the heart of everything Foster with Slough strives to achieve.
This year’s event was proudly supported by Cardo, the headline sponsor. Michelle Bewley, Cardo’s Social Value Manager, spoke of the company’s commitment to supporting communities, improving residents’ lives, and creating safe, sustainable homes. Cardo also sponsored the evening’s long service awards, honouring carers who have provided exceptional care for 5 and 15 years.
We would also like to thank others who supported the event, including: Cakes by Naz, who generously donated cakes; Ibytes Media, who captured photography and videography; and the Pinewood Hotel, which kindly offered an afternoon tea for two as a prize and our staff who supported throughout the evening.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and to all those who continue to make a profound difference in the lives of Slough’s children and young people.
To find out more about fostering and be part of our Slough fostering family, please contact Foster with Slough on 0300 1312797 or www.fosterwithslough.co.uk
