Foster carers celebrated for their dedication to helping children

Foster carers celebrated for their dedication to helping children

An event has taken place to celebrate the outstanding contribution of foster carers in Neath Port Talbot.

Held at The Castle Hotel in Neath, the purpose of the event was to recognise the important role foster carers have in helping vulnerable children and young people.

In total, 23 awards were presented to single foster carers and couples for their length of service, ranging from 1 year of service through to 30 years of service. Among the winners were Shirley and Joe Allen from Neath who received their 20 years of service award.

Speaking at the event, Shirley said:

“The most rewarding part of foster caring is the improvements you get to see from when you first meet the children. Seeing them grow into young individuals and develop every day is fantastic.”

Following the awards, attendees heard from a number of guest speakers on topics such as therapeutic fostering, how the council is encouraging children and young people to have their say on matters that affect them, and the experiences of a local foster carer.

Councillor Alan Lockyer, cabinet member for Children’s Service and guest speaker at the event, said:

“Foster carers are very special people, and these awards are just our small way of saying thank you.”

“Our foster carers ensure our most vulnerable children and young people are kept safe and are in the best environment possible so they can be the best they can be.”

“We are always keen to hear from individuals and families who are interested in fostering, and would welcome them to get in touch to find out more.”

For more information on fostering in Neath Port Talbot, contact the team on 01639 685866 or visit www.npt.gov.uk/fostering.

Dathlu ymroddiad gofalwyr maeth i helpu plant

Cynhaliwyd digwyddiad i ddathlu cyfranogiad eithriadol gofalwyr maeth yng Nghastell-nedd Port Talbot.

Fe’i cynhaliwyd yng ngwesty The Castle yng Nghastell-nedd, a phwrpas y digwyddiad oedd cydnabod y rôl bwysig sydd gan ofalwyr maeth wrth helpu plant a phobl ifanc diamddiffyn.

Cyflwynwyd cyfanswm o 23 o wobrau i ofalwyr maeth sengl ac i gyplau am hyd eu gwasanaeth, o 1 flwyddyn o wasanaeth hyd at 30 o flynyddoedd o wasanaeth. Roedd yr enillwyr yn cynnwys Shirley a Joe Allen o Gastell-nedd, a enillodd eu gwobr am 20 o flynyddoedd o wasanaeth.

Wrth siarad yn y digwyddiad, meddai Shirley,

“Y peth mwyaf gwerth chweil am fod yn ofalwr maeth yw’r gwelliannau y gallwch eu gweld ers cwrdd â’r plant am y tro cyntaf. Mae eu gwylio’n tyfu i fod yn unigolion ifanc sy’n datblygu bob diwrnod yn wych.”

Yn dilyn y gwobrau, bu nifer o siaradwyr gwadd yn siarad am bynciau megis maethu mewn ffordd therapiwtig, sut mae’r cyngor yn annog plant a phobl ifanc i fynegi eu barn am yr hyn sy’n effeithio arnynt, a phrofiadau gofalwr maeth lleol.

Meddai’r Cynghorydd Alan Lockyer, Aelod y Cabinet dros Blant a Phobl Ifanc a siaradwr gwadd yn y digwyddiad,

“Mae gofalwyr maeth yn bobl arbennig iawn ac mae’r gwobrau hyn yn ffordd i ni ddweud diolch.”

“Mae ein gofalwyr maeth yn sicrhau bod ein plant a phobl ifanc mwyaf diamddiffyn yn ddiogel a’u bod yn yr amgylchedd gorau posib er mwyn iddynt fod y gorau y gallant fod.”

“Rydym bob amser yn awyddus i glywed gan unigolion a theuluoedd â diddordeb mewn maethu, ac mae croeso iddynt gysylltu er mwyn darganfod mwy.”

Am ragor o wybodaeth am faethu yng Nghastell-nedd Port Talbot, ffoniwch y tîm ar 01639 685866 neu ewch i www.npt.gov.uk/fostering.