Life changing work of York’s longest serving foster carers recognised

The life-changing work of some of York’s longest serving foster carers has been recognised at a special awards ceremony this month.

13 foster carer households were awarded certificates for completing 20,30 and 40 years of fostering, adding up to a combined total of 320 years of fostering service, providing safe, loving homes to local children and young people who can’t live with their birth families.

Longest serving of the foster carers recognised at the event were Sue and Martyn Hill, who have fostered children and young people for 40 years.

Sue Hill, foster carer, said: “Fostering has brought us so much pleasure over the years, as well as some challenging moments but it has certainly enriched our lives and hopefully that of the children we have cared for. We can't think of anything else that we would rather have done in life.

“Hopefully we will carry on for a good bit longer!”

Cllr Bob Webb, City of York Council’s Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “Our foster carers are a hugely valued part of a wider team supporting children and young people in our care. I’m delighted that we’ve been able to recognise the incredible impact our carers have had and would urge anyone who’s considering fostering to get in touch. There are few other roles which give people the chance to make such a positive contribution to young people’s lives. And with a fostering package that is now amongst the best available in the region, there’s never been a better time to foster for City of York Council.”

Martin Kelly OBE, Corporate Director of Children’s Services and Education at City of York Council, presented the awards. He said: “It is a huge honour for me to present these long service awards to some of our amazing foster carers. The work that they do really is life changing and their commitment and dedication to supporting local children and young people is inspirational.”

Find out more about fostering for York at fostering.york.gov.uk