Key Points
- Event Location: The Foster Carers Appreciation Awards ceremony was staged at Brunel University, celebrating the contributions of local foster carers.
- Awards Presented: Twelve awards were handed out by the Deputy Mayor of Hillingdon, Cllr Colleen Sullivan, and Donna Hugh, assistant director of care provision services.
- Exceptional Care Award Winner: Shannon Callaghan from Cowley received the Exceptional Care Award after fostering with the council for five years.
- Newcomer of the Year: Ellie and Jonny Rickards from Ickenham were recognised for their commitment and flexibility after being approved as carers in February.
- Sibling Support Award: Diana and Felix Asamoah were honoured for providing nurturing, child-centred care to sibling groups.
- Council Recognition: Cllr Susan O’Brien praised foster carers for offering stability, encouragement, and care that has a lasting impact on children’s lives.
- Financial and Community Support: Hillingdon foster carers can earn up to £1,500 per week alongside benefits such as a 25 per cent council tax reduction and utility bill discounts.
uk/local/hillingdon/">Hillingdon, London (West London Times) November 13, 2026 – The outstanding dedication and unwavering support of Hillingdon Council’s foster carers were recently recognized during a special community celebration.
How Were Hillingdon’s Foster Carers Celebrated at Brunel University?
As reported by local journalists for The Hillingdon Times, the Foster Carers Appreciation Awards were staged at Brunel University to celebrate the profound difference local foster families make in children’s lives. Twelve distinct awards were presented during the ceremony by the Deputy Mayor of Hillingdon, Cllr Colleen Sullivan, alongside Donna Hugh, who serves as the assistant director of care provision services.
Highlighting the scope of community contributions, multiple carers were singled out for their exceptional commitment. Shannon Callaghan, a resident from Cowley, was honoured with this year’s Exceptional Care Award. Having fostered with the local authority for five years, Callaghan was recognised for going above and beyond to provide care, stability, and support while making a valued contribution to the broader fostering community.
As reported by The Hillingdon Times, Callaghan currently cares for a 16-year-old boy and provides vital respite care when needed. Speaking about her motivation, Callaghan stated:
“I wanted to be able to care and love, and I know how much I can give. I wanted to give that to my foster child, as well as that stability.”
Reflecting on the progress of the young person in her care, Callaghan added:
“The difference from when he came to me and now – he’s a completely different child.”
Who Else Received Special Recognition During the Ceremony?
The ceremony also celebrated newer additions to the borough’s fostering network. Ellie and Jonny Rickards, a couple from Ickenham who were approved as foster carers in February, were awarded the Newcomer of the Year Award. The couple provides respite and emergency foster care when needed, earning praise for their outstanding commitment, compassion, flexibility, and invaluable support offered to the wider fostering community.
Reflecting on her role within the community, Ellie stated, as covered by The Hillingdon Times:
“You want to live in a society where people are willing to step up and do the jobs that need doing. Being able to be part of that is such a privilege.”
The couple, who are both in their twenties and balancing professional careers, actively encouraged younger residents to consider fostering. Jonny added:
“Given the diversity of children in Hillingdon, the more diverse the foster carers the better.”
Furthermore, Diana and Felix Asamoah were presented with the Sibling Support Award in recognition of their excellent, nurturing, and child-centred care provided to sibling groups placed within their home. Discussing his philosophy on fostering, Felix stated:
“Fostering for me means taking care of people, providing a lovely home and making the world a better place for somebody who’s struggling.”
In addition to these honours, a further nine awards were distributed across various categories, including Outstanding Commitment, Mentor of the Year, Innovative Carer, Resilience in Fostering, Advocacy in Fostering, Community Impact, Training, Milestone Awards, and November’s Star by Far award.
What Did Council Leadership Say About the Role of Foster Carers?
Emphasising the vital role that foster parents play in local society, Cllr Susan O’Brien, Cabinet Member for Adults, Children, Health and Care, praised the recipients. As noted by The Hillingdon Times, Cllr O’Brien stated:
“Our foster carers provide so much more than a home. They offer stability, encouragement and care that can have a lasting impact on a child’s life.”
To support existing carers and encourage new applicants, Hillingdon Council highlights robust financial packages and local incentives. Eligible foster carers in Hillingdon can earn up to £1,500 per week and receive a 25 per cent reduction in council tax when looking after a child in care. Additional benefits include £1,000 off utility bills and a family Merlin and leisure pass.
Residents interested in learning more can visit the official Foster with West London portal or contact support services directly via telephone or email.
Background of the Particular Development
The Foster Carers Appreciation Awards initiative forms part of ongoing local government efforts across London boroughs to address chronic shortages in foster care placements and formally recognise the emotional and physical labour undertaken by foster parents. Local authorities throughout the United Kingdom have faced mounting pressures within children’s services, making carer recruitment and retention a top priority for municipal authorities. Events like the ceremony at Brunel University are designed to boost morale, combat burnout within the fostering community, and publicly raise awareness to inspire prospective applicants from diverse backgrounds to step forward.
Prediction and Impact on the Local Community
This recognition initiative is anticipated to positively impact recruitment and retention figures within Hillingdon’s social care sector. By publicly validating the emotional and practical contributions of experienced carers—such as Shannon Callaghan and the Rickards family—the publicity surrounding the awards humanises the fostering process and demystifies eligibility criteria for younger working couples and diverse households. Furthermore, pairing public recognition with tangible financial incentives, such as council tax reductions and utility bill relief, directly addresses cost-of-living pressures, which may encourage more local residents to consider fostering as a sustainable long-term commitment.
