Foster Carer of the Year 2011
25/05/2011
A West Belfast couple who have been providing vulnerable children with safe and stable homes for almost 20 years have today been named as Foster Carers of the Year 2011 by the Fostering Network Northern Ireland.
Marion and Hugh Corr received the award at a special family event at Stormont last weekend in recognition of their commitment to fostering and dedication to the children in their care. The couple also received a cheque for £1,000 generously provided by the event sponsors, MediCare Pharmacy Group.
During their fostering career, Marion and Hugh have looked after 17 children, many for several years until they were adults. They were nominated for the award by five of the children they have looked after and their social worker from the South Eastern Trust Liz Black, who described their family home as “one of the most welcoming places a child could wish for.”
Reflecting on the award and their achievements in fostering, Marion Corr said: ”We are absolutely delighted and feel so proud of what we’ve achieved. When children first come to stay with us they are often fearful and uncertain. By listening, loving and putting our faith in them over time we see their confidence grow, they begin to trust us and they find their voice. That’s the real reward for us.”
Kate Lewis, director of the Fostering Network Northern Ireland, said: “Marion and Hugh are an excellent example of how foster carers can make a really big difference to the lives of children unable to live with their own families. Their ability to consistently provide children with the best possible care, regardless of their background, and offer a warm, accepting and stable home really stood out. We hope they will inspire many others to come forward and find out more about fostering.”
Michael Guerin, Managing Director of MediCare Pharmacy Group, said: “Marion and Hugh impressed me with their dedication and commitment to fostering demonstrated by the fact that, over the last 20 years, they have fostered 17 children. It is testament to the loving and caring home that they provide for these children in that they were nominated by 5 of the children that they have cared for. There is no doubt that Marion, Hugh and the other foster carers I met have made a huge difference to the lives of the children they have cared for through the years.”
There is currently a shortage of foster carers like Marion and Hugh who can provide children with a long-term home. Earlier this week month a campaign was launched to find long-term foster homes for 60 children across Northern Ireland.
The announcement of the Foster Carers of the Year is part of Foster Care Fortnight, the Fostering Network’s annual campaign to raise the profile of fostering and encourage more people to foster. With the theme fostering: time to care, the campaign runs from Monday 16 May until Sunday 29 May.
To find out more about becoming a foster carer, visit www.couldyoufoster.org.uk
For other ways to get involved and support fostered children, visit www.fostering.net/time-to-care
Image - Dominic Bradley (MLA), Hugh Corr, Marion Corr, Michael Guerin (MediCare Pharmacy Group)