Foster carers have a ball

The borough’s foster carers donned their tuxedos and ball gowns at the weekend for the annual awards ceremony which is held to thank all carers for their invaluable service.

Over 100 foster carers and their families joined in the celebrations, at the event at Rochdale Town Hall.

Awards were presented by Steve Garner, Service Director for Children’s Social Care at Rochdale Borough Council and The Mayor, Councillor Zulfiqar Ali, to foster carers who’ve given between 5 and 35 years of service.

The Alan Russell Award, for outstanding contribution to fostering in the borough, was awarded to Mark and Queenie Purdy. The couple have been looking after children for 7 years and demonstrate great energy in caring for children, always going the extra mile to meet their needs.

Steve Garner said: "The event was a wonderful opportunity to meet with our foster carers and personally thank them for all the outstanding work and dedication.

All our foster carers deserve recognition for their work and for looking after children and young people at a time when they need it most.”

Councillor Surinder Biant, cabinet member for children, schools and families at Rochdale Borough Council said: “Deciding to be a foster carer and looking after someone else’s child is a big commitment, but one which will bring so much reward for all involved.

“Rochdale Borough Council is always keen to hear from people who are interested in becoming foster carers. You really can make a difference to the life of a child or young person.”