Foster carers from across the Isle of Man were celebrated and thanked for their outstanding commitment at a special Foster Carer Celebration Event, held at The Roundhouse, Braddan on Friday 15 May.
The event brought together members of the Island’s fostering community for a day of recognition, celebration and thanks, acknowledging the exceptional role foster carers play in providing safe, stable and nurturing homes for children and young people.
Held as part of Foster Care Fortnight, the day provided an opportunity to reflect on the dedication, compassion and resilience shown by local foster carers, whose work makes a life-changing difference to some of the Island’s most vulnerable children.
The event was made possible with the generous support of sponsors Atla Group and The Comis Hotel, with additional prizes kindly donated by Sure, Steam Packet, Brightlife, Soaral, Claremont and Self Care Club. Their contributions helped ensure the day was a special and memorable occasion for all attendees.
At the event, guests also heard from representatives from Isle Listen, Isle of Play, and Soul and Soil, who delivered inspiring talks and activities. Their valuable contributions highlighted the importance of emotional wellbeing, creativity, connection and support networks, and organisers extend their sincere thanks for their time and insight.
During the day, a range of awards were presented to recognise the breadth of contribution across the fostering community. These included:
- The 'Above and Beyond' Award, for carers who consistently go the extra mile, such as supporting complex needs or managing difficult transitions
- Long Service Excellence Award, recognising 10, 20, and 30+ years of dedication to the foster care system
- The Advocacy & Voice Award, for carers who strongly advocate for children in their care, ensuring their voices are heard in meetings and decisions
- Outstanding Kinship Carer Award, honouring family members who have stepped up to care for relatives
- Rising Star Award, for new, passionate carers in their first one to three years
- The Resilience / Unwavering Support Award, recognising foster parents who have maintained stability for children during particularly challenging times
- 'Sibling Champion' Award, celebrating families who specialise in keeping sibling groups together
- The Helper Award, recognising children who play an important role in supporting their parents and welcoming new children into the home
Prizes recognising the commitment and achievements of foster carers were presented by His Excellency The Lieutenant Governor, Sir John Lorimer KCB DSO MBE, Manx Care’s Chief Executive Officer, Teresa Cope and Assistant Director for Social Care, Julie Gibney.
Speaking at the event, Teresa Cope, CEO at Manx Care, said:
'Foster carers across our Island do an extraordinary job, often going above and beyond to provide stability, care and understanding to children and young people who need it most. This celebration evening was about recognising that dedication and saying a heartfelt thank you for the vital role they play in our community.
Congratulations to all our worthy winners.'
Guests enjoyed an informal event in relaxed surroundings, with time to connect, share experiences and celebrate the powerful relationships that sit at the heart of fostering. The event highlighted the importance of community, support and appreciation for foster carers and their families.
Foster Care Fortnight is an annual campaign that raises awareness of fostering and celebrates the people who make fostering possible. Alongside recognising current foster carers, the campaign also aims to encourage others to consider fostering and find out more about how they could support local children and young people.
