On May 18, 2023, the commitment and dedication of foster parents associated with Swiis Foster Care North East were honoured during a ceremony held at Durham Cathedral.
This special event brought together some of Swiis’ longest-serving foster parents, who were recognized for their remarkable collective service spanning more than a century. Attended by over 30 fostering families, the appreciation ceremony took place at Durham Cathedral and was hosted by Keith Stopher, the National Director of Fostering, and Alison Lawson, the Registered Manager of Swiis. Among the attendees were twelve foster carers who received long service awards and gifts from Swiis.
Commencing the ceremony, Canon Michael Everitt of Durham Cathedral highlighted the significant and positive impact foster parents have on the lives of children and young people. He extended his gratitude and praise to the Swiis foster parents being honored that day, while also offering warm wishes to those new to fostering, hoping for their success in their own fostering journey.
The first accolade of the day was presented to Heather and Joe, who have dedicated over 15 years of their lives to fostering with Swiis.
Swiis Foster Care’s Registered Manager, Alison Lawson said
“You are both such an asset to the fostering community, having fostered over 27 children in your 15 years of service. You have both fulfilled what’s on the tin and more in terms of the ingredients of a foster parent. Well done and thank you!”
The remaining foster carers receiving long-term awards received similar testimonies to the positive changes they have made to many children and young people they have fostered.
Swiis Foster Care’s National Director of Fostering handed out the appreciation of long-service awards and gave the following speech.
“Alongside the one century (plus) of combined fostering support achieved by foster parents with Swiis Foster Care in the North East, we are proud to also celebrate the commitment of the Swiis North East staff, who I am delighted to say, has also achieved an amazing century of combined service with Swiis. The exceptional stability of both foster parents and staff is one of the main contributors to the amazing outcomes for our children and young people in care across the North East “.
As one of the largest family-owned and respected providers of fostering services, Swiis Foster Care strives continually to improve the outcomes delivered to the children and young people in our care. Our values are at the heart of everything we do with each and every member of the Swiis team ensuring that our children and young people are provided with opportunities that they would not have otherwise had. Swiis Foster Care offer unrivalled support and training to our foster carers to ensure that they continually progress their skills and aspirations for their fostering career.
With hundreds of children requiring a safe and loving foster home in the North East today, we urgently need foster carers more than ever. To find out more about fostering please visit www.swiisfostercare.com.
