Reflecting on the She Inspires Award 2024: A Call to Action for Fostering

Introduction

It is with immense gratitude and pride that I reflect on being named the winner of the She Inspires Award 2024 under the Rising Star category. This incredible recognition has not only been a personal milestone but also a moment to shine a spotlight on the transformative power of fostering.

As the Director of Silver Lining Fostering, an Ofsted Outstanding fostering agency, this win is a testament to the dedication of our foster carers, staff, and community. However, as I celebrate this achievement, I am reminded that our work is far from over. There is an urgent need to recruit more foster carers to help the many children in care find the love, stability, and support they deserve.

The Journey to She Inspires

Receiving this award has been a deeply humbling experience. My journey to this point has been shaped by resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to creating positive change for vulnerable children. Founding Silver Lining Fostering in 2018 during a challenging period of my life was driven by a simple but powerful mission: to ensure every child has the chance to thrive in a safe and nurturing home.

Our Ofsted Outstanding rating reflects the exceptional care and support we provide, but behind every accolade are the stories of children whose lives have been transformed and foster carers who make that transformation possible.

The Need for More Foster Carers

Currently, the UK is facing a significant shortage of foster carers, with thousands of children in care waiting for safe and loving homes. At Silver Lining Fostering, we know fostering changes lives—not just for the children but for the carers too.

Becoming a foster carer is an opportunity to provide more than just a home; it’s a chance to offer hope, healing, and a brighter future. Whether you’re single, married, or part of a same-sex couple, fostering is open to anyone with the compassion and commitment to make a difference.

How We Support Our Foster Carers

At Silver Lining Fostering, we pride ourselves on providing our carers with:

• Exceptional Training: We offer bespoke support tailored to your needs.
• 24/7 Support: Our team is always available to guide and assist you.
• Financial Stability: We provide generous allowances and bonuses to ensure carers can focus on what matters most—the children.
• A Thriving Community: Join a network of like-minded individuals dedicated to making a difference.

Our carers are at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to supporting them every step of the way.

A Call to Action: Join Us in Transforming Lives

Winning the She Inspires Award has reignited my resolve to recruit more foster carers. The need has never been greater, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact has never been more accessible.

If you’ve ever considered fostering, now is the time to take that first step. By becoming a foster carer, you’ll not only change the life of a child but also enrich your own in ways you can’t imagine.

To learn more about fostering or to join our Silver Lining Fostering family, visit www.silverliningfostering.co.uk or get in touch with us today.

The She Inspires Award is a recognition of what we’ve achieved together, but it’s also a reminder of the work that lies ahead. At Silver Lining Fostering, we are determined to continue creating brighter futures for children in care and building a community of carers who share our passion and purpose.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey. Together, let’s keep making a difference—one child, one carer, and one home at a time.