A couple who have been fostering for Ealing since 2012, have been named Ealing Council’s Foster Carers of the Year, at the annual foster carers’ awards ceremony on Saturday 24 November.

The awards were hosted by Councillor Yvonne Johnson, deputy leader and member for schools and childrens’ services, and she told the audience how Tsigehana Asefeha and Eyob Tesfazghi have looked after several children and were being recognised for their exceptional care of a particular young person.

Councillor Johnson identified that Tsigehana and Eyob have been looking after a young person since 2011 and in 2012, and came over to Ealing from a private agency so they could have a closer relationship with Ealing to look after the young person.

They provided that young person, who had previously had several moves, with a stable and safe home and excellent care and support.

Councillor Johnson explained that they have shown a total commitment to the young person and said: “Throughout the challenges and difficulties they have faced, they have shown love and patience to keep this young person with them in their family and have had a very caring and patient attitude”.

Tsigehana and Eyob’s own children have also played their part and have shown compassion and understanding. One of their daughters was so inspired by her parents, that she became a foster carer too and now permanently looks after one of the children her parents had short term.

Tsigehana said “We are thrilled to receive this award. Being foster carers is something we both enjoy and although there are challenging times, it’s so worth it to make such a difference to children and young people’s lives. There are many children in the local community who need help and to be able to provide them with a safe, loving home and give them a chance in life, is a fantastic thing to do. We would encourage anyone who has been thinking about becoming a foster carer to get in touch. You can make such a difference to the lives of children and young people.”

The annual awards ceremony is held by the council to recognise and reward its foster carers for their hard work and commitment with all nominations coming from young people in care and social workers.

This year’s event was held the Double Tree Hilton Hotel in Ealing and was opened by the Mayor, Councillor Tejinder Dhami and attended by more than 150 people. Foster carers received a certificate and those who have achieved five, 10, 15, 20 and 30 years of service were also presented with specially engraved glassware.

Councillor Johnson said: “Foster carers do an amazing job and it is a real pleasure to be able to recognise the contribution they make to providing a secure future for vulnerable children and young people in Ealing. I thank every one of them and would like to encourage anyone thinking of becoming a foster carer to come along to the next information session on 3 December.”

The next fostering and adoption information session will be held on Monday, 3 December 2017, 7.30pm- 9.30pm at Ealing Town Hall, New Broadway, Uxbridge Road, London, W5 2BY.

For further information contact Ealing Fostering and Adoption Connections on Freephone 0800 731 6550, email fosteradopt@ealing.gov.uk or visit www.ealingfosteradopt.co.uk