A Slough couple working with Slough Children First and its Home from Home service have been recognised nationally for their inspiring work supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Aisha and Kamran Abdus-Samad were among ten recipients celebrated at the 11th Heroes Awards by Best magazine, held at the Waldorf Hotel in London. The awards, hosted by broadcaster Vanessa Feltz on 16 October, brought together celebrities including Christine Lampard, Ann Widdecombe, Penny Smith and Richard Blackwood to honour individuals who have achieved extraordinary things in unthinkable circumstances.
Kamran and Aisha, who live and work in Slough, were recognised for their exceptional contribution to the Home from Home short breaks service at Slough Children First (SCF). Through this service, they provide respite care for children with SEND, offering them enriching activities and experiences in a nurturing home environment.
Earlier this year, the couple were also awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King’s New Year Honours for their dedication to supporting children and families in their community.
Reflecting on their recent achievement, Kamran and Aisha said:
“Winning the Heroes Awards from Best Magazine was an incredible honour for both of us. We felt so proud and grateful to have our work recognised on a national level. The evening itself was magical; we genuinely felt like celebrities among an inspiring audience that included well-known TV personalities.”
Saima Arif, Head of Regulated Services at Slough Children First, said:
“Slough Children First are incredibly proud that this recognition highlights the dedication and passion we put into our work through the Home from Home service. It shines a light on the difference we strive to make every day for children and young people, and it motivates us to keep building on that impact and continue making a positive change in their lives.”
“The award has also had a really positive impact on the service. We’ve seen more referrals coming in from carers who’ve been inspired by Kamran and Aisha’s story, friends, family, and colleagues are reaching out to find out how they can get involved. It’s sparked a real increase in interest in joining the Home from Home team.”
Home from Home is a part-time fostering scheme that provides respite care, giving parents or carers a break from caring for their child on a full time basis, and is in a family setting. The child will be matched with a family and will stay with the same family each time.
As long-standing Slough residents who both work in local schools, Kamran and Aisha are well known in their community. Following their national recognition and media coverage on BBC Berkshire and social media, they’ve been inundated with messages of congratulations from friends, family and colleagues.
Slough Children First is now looking to expand the Home from Home service, with plans to take more referrals to the fostering panel so that carers can provide overnight respite for children and young people.
To find out more about Home from Home fostering, please visit https://www.fosterwithslough.co.uk
Alternatively, you can call 01753 690960 to speak to a member of our team or email fosteringduty@sloughchildrenfirst.co.uk
