Foster carers in Moray recognized for their years of service and commitment.
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In a heartfelt ceremony held at Williamson Hall in Elgin, Health and Social Care Moray recently honored the unwavering commitment of foster carers who have dedicated their lives to nurturing vulnerable children. This annual event recognized the invaluable contributions of six fostering households, each with a remarkable history of service spanning between five and ten years.
Long service awards highlight commitment
The ceremony featured the presentation of long service awards by Jim Lyon, the Interim Chief Social Work Officer for Moray. Among the recipients was Emma Plain, a foster carer from Duffus, who has fostered 15 children over the past five years.
Emma expressed her joy in managing a busy household, stating, “It’s chaos but beautiful chaos. It’s a really rewarding thing to do.” Her partner, Ken Treacy, shares her passion for fostering, emphasizing their commitment to giving back to the community.
Fostering: A calling, not just a job
Yvonne Copland, another dedicated foster carer from Elgin, echoed similar sentiments. Having fostered 16 children in five years, she described her role as a lifelong dream. “It’s 24/7. All my commitments, my whole life is this job,” she said, highlighting the profound impact fostering has had on her life. Yvonne’s experience illustrates the deep emotional investment foster carers make, often viewing their responsibilities as a calling rather than mere employment.
Inspiring stories from seasoned foster carers
Julianne Minty, who has been a foster carer for a decade, shared her journey, which began unexpectedly when she was approached to foster a child she knew. “It opened up a whole new world to me that was going on in Moray that I had no idea existed,” she reflected. Julianne has taken on eight permanent foster care placements, emphasizing the joy and fulfillment she derives from her work. She encourages others considering fostering to take the leap, stating, “Just do it. You’ll never look back.”
Mr. Lyon expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate these remarkable individuals, stating, “Their dedication and care make an enormous difference in the lives of young people.” The event not only recognized the achievements of these foster carers but also served as a reminder of the vital role they play in shaping the futures of children in need.
As the community continues to support and uplift these dedicated individuals, the stories of Emma, Yvonne, and Julianne serve as powerful testaments to the impact of fostering. Their experiences highlight the importance of compassion, commitment, and community in the journey of fostering, inspiring others to consider this noble path.
