Wolverhampton has officially thanked dozens of dedicated foster carers for the vital work they do looking after vulnerable children and young people in the city.

The City of Wolverhampton Council's Fostering for Wolverhampton team recognised the service of their foster carers at the ‘For the Love of Fostering’ celebration evening at the Molineux Stadium on 5 December 2019.

Over 200 people attended the event. Foster carers, Judith and Robert Bradley, Julie and Anthony Duce, Christine Jones, Susan Jones and Susan Whitehouse, Sudesh and Devi Kainth, Donna and Stephen Keen, Mary and Trevor Leddington, Val Smith, Tracy and Kevin Smith were commended for completing 10 years’ service.

Awards for 15 years' service were presented to Michelle and Anthony Bucknall and Mary and Clive Penberthy. Christine Asprey was commended for 25 years’ service. Liz and Trevor Jones, and Pat and Eddie Whitehouse were commended on their retirement and recognised for nearly 25 years service each as foster carers for Wolverhampton.

Emma Bennett, City of Wolverhampton Council’s director of children’s services, said: "I was delighted to celebrate the work our fantastic fosters do in Wolverhampton. These are very special people and it was great to have the opportunity to personally thank them for their efforts on behalf of our city's children and young people.

"We are very lucky to have so many brilliant foster carers in Wolverhampton who combine a desire to help children with a commitment to providing the best possible care and support for them.

"I would urge anyone who has considered fostering to speak to our Fostering for Wolverhampton team to find out more about this life-changing role.”

Foster carers can be sole carers, married or in a relationship. Placements can be anything from a few days to a number of years, and they receive a regular, tax exempt allowance to cover the cost of bringing up the child.

Help and support is available from the Fostering for Wolverhampton team 24 hours a day, while first-time foster carers also receive six months' "buddy support" from experienced carers who are there to guide them through the system.

People can find out more about fostering by visiting www.fosteringforwolverhampton.com or by calling the Fostering for Wolverhampton team on 01902 551133.