Mayor applauds new Civic Award that recognises foster carers

The Foster Carer’s Impact Award celebrates an individual who demonstrates unwavering dedication to the well-being of foster children and makes a significant, positive impact on their lives.

The Mayor, whose own mum was a looked after child and was later adopted after spending seven years in a children’s home in Barton, is excited to be able to promote this new Civic Award.

“I am thrilled to see the inclusion of the Foster Carer’s Impact Award this time, as this is a cause close to my heart in my Mayoral Year, and one which truly encompasses unsung heroes,” said Cllr Beasant.

The Mayor explained that he was always aware that his mother Vera was desperate to know more about her roots, but it wasn’t until after she passed away in 1999 that he signed up to an online family history platform and was able to discover more about her.

“My grandparents adopted my mum and gave her a loving home. The impact that foster carers have, either long-term, or by bridging the gap until a child can find their forever adoption home, is indescribable,” he said.

“It is time to celebrate these extraordinary people and reward them for their selfless dedication to others, and if you know someone who fits this description then please nominate them for a Civic Award 2025.”

The NELC Civic Awards nominations were launched at the beginning of November to celebrate prominent people doing good work in the community. They recognise outstanding contributions to the community in a variety of categories. These are: The Mayor’s Award; Environmental Impact Award; Sporting and Wellness Impact Award; Business in the Community Award; Charity of the Year Award; Inspirational Young Person Award; Veteran Impact Award; and Foster Carer’s Impact Award.

You can nominate for each category online via North East Lincolnshire Council’s website. https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/your-council/mayor-and-civic-information/

If you need a paper form, please contact the Civic Office by calling 01472) 324101 or sending an e-mail to civic.office@nelincs.gov.uk

Nominations can be made until 5pm on Friday January 31st 2025.  If you submit electronically, they will be received automatically.  Alternatively, you can send via e-mail to civic.office@nelincs.gov.uk.

Following the deadline date, all nominations will be passed to the Civic Awards Panel, who will meet in February 2025 to select the winner of each category. The overall winners of the Civic Awards will be invited to a special ceremony at Grimsby Town Hall on Friday March 7 2025.

To find out more about fostering, visit www.nelincs.co.uk/fostering  and for more about adoption, visit https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/adoption/