Couple win national carer award (News piece for The Herald)

Words originally for Plymouth daily newspaper The Herald, completed on a week of work experience in December, published on Monday December 20, and can be found online here.

A COUPLE from Torpoint have won a national award in recognition of their continued dedication to foster care.

Helen and Dave Channing have been fostering for 30 years, welcoming nearly 60 children and young people into their home.

And now the pair, who also have five birth sons who grew up as part of the fostering family, have had their efforts commended at a ceremony in London, being announced winners of the National Outstanding Carer Award.

Helen and Dave were nominated for the award - part of the Keep Dreaming National Leaving Care Awards 2010 - by the south west region of FCA (Foster Care Associates), which is the UK’s leading independent foster care agency.

Sheree Cole, the FCA regional manager who nominated the Torpoint couple, said: “The unswerving commitment to fostering which Helen and Dave continue to deliver is second to none.
“At Foster Care Associates we are hugely proud of their achievements and this award is testament to the brilliant work they do.

Sheree added that even after the young people move on to living alone, Helen and Dave continue to support them, saying: “Nothing seems too much trouble.”

Talking about the award, Helen said: “We were thrilled to receive this level of recognition and never expected to win a national award.

“Being a foster carer is a challenging role but the rewards are enormous.
“To see a young person smile again and overcome many emotional hurdles means that we have managed to bring hope and happiness back into this person’s life.”

With the current national shortage of foster carers, FCA are always seeking to hear from potential new carers, and those wishing to find out more can call freephone 0800 023 4561, or visit the website at www.iwanttofoster.com