Local Foster Carers Receive Long Service Award

March 16, 2009

A husband and wife team from Anglesey have been recognised for their unswerving contribution to fostering, having notched up 10 years long service with Foster Care Associates (FCA) North Wales.

Phil and Lynne Sargent received their award at a celebratory event held earlier this month. Organised by FCA North Wales, the couple were commended on the enormous support and commitment they have given to looking after children and young people who need to be cared for.

Since taking up fostering 15 years ago, the couple have now fostered over 30 children preparing them for the next stage of their lives, whether it is to be adopted or to return to their family.

Prior to being a foster carer, Lynne worked as a full-time teacher initially in a secondary school and later in a school for children with physical and learning disabilities. Phil worked in senior management and as an adult trainer in computer software.

In 2003 the Sargents made the decision to move from their home town in Staffordshire and lead a new life in Anglesey. Throwing themselves into the life of the community, Phil supports children in the local theatre group and, for the third year in succession has played the role of the Dame in the pantomine. Lynne takes an active role in organising the local Cemaes Carnival Queens and their Courts which all of the children in their care have been involved with. The couple are studying at Bangor University in order to learn the Welsh language which has proved invaluable in helping the children they have placed with them.

Although at times it has been a difficult journey, Phil and Lynne claim the rewards far out-weigh all the hard work, commenting "Being a foster carer is often emotionally draining but to know that we are able to help these children overcome so many different hurdles make it well worthwhile."

"Working with FCA we have a training programme which enhances the skills we need to do the job as well as the reassurance from a dedicated team of professionals who are just a phone call away. This award from FCA is wonderful acknowledgement of the role we play in helping to shape a much more positive future for the children and young people we care for."

Phil added: "Foster carers are helping children who find themselves in a situation which is not their fault and giving them the chance to be children."

Stevie Thomas, operational director at FCA North Wales said: "Lynne and Phil have shown such determination in providing the best possible foster care, they are a credit to FCA and the work which the organisation carries out."

"We are proud to have such first class carers and hope that they will continue to work with us for many years to come"

Phil is the foster carer representative for FCA North Wales and attends the National Foster Carer Forum covering the whole of Great Britain, discussing topics relevant to the lives of carers.

For more information on FCA or fostering, please call FCA on freephone 0800 085 2225 or visit www.iwanttofoster.com