2nd April 2025
The Southern Health and Social Care Trust, in partnership with The Fostering Network, hosted their annual Southern Area Fostering Achievement and Attainment Awards.
The event recognised the exceptional achievements of children and young people in foster and kinship care across the region, highlighting their resilience and personal growth.
The evening was filled with celebration as foster carers, kinship carers, and social workers came together to honour the remarkable accomplishments of young individuals. Guests were greeted by popular characters, including Deadpool and Elsa from Frozen, setting a light-hearted and fun tone for the event. Children enjoyed a range of activities such as arts and crafts, DJ decks, a selfie booth, and a virtual reality experience, making the evening memorable for all.
The highlight of the evening was the recognition of children and young people who excelled in various fields, including sports, education, music, and drama.
Stella Kelly, Trust Assistant Director for Corporate Parenting, stressed the importance of celebrating these milestones.
“It’s essential to acknowledge the achievements of young people in care who have shown tremendous resilience. The personal growth of these individuals and the role their foster carers and social workers play in supporting them are truly inspiring. We were proud to recognize their accomplishments with awards for kindness, patience, and resilience as well.”
Melanie Coffey, Head of Service for Fostering & Adoption, highlighted the dedication of foster carers.
“Our foster carers are remarkable, often balancing their vital role with their own busy lives. While this event celebrates the success of our young people, it also celebrates the indispensable contributions of foster carers. Their commitment is at the heart of our ability to support these young individuals and help them flourish.”
The event also served as a reminder of the ongoing need for more foster carers.
“We are always seeking new families to join our fostering network and help local children reach their full potential,” added Melanie.
If you’re interested in learning more about fostering, we encourage you to contact HSC NI Adoption and Foster Care on 0800 0720 137 or visit Adoption & Fostering | Adoption & Fostering for further information.