MBE honour for Telford’s foster care champions
When foster carers John and Pam Garbett received a letter informing them, they were to be awarded MBEs in the recent King’s Birthday Honours, their first reaction was disbelief.
“We were so surprised when the letter arrived telling us we were being awarded an MBE,” said Pam. “We were completely shocked.”
But for many children they have cared for and families they have supported over the past four decades, the honour came as no surprise.
John and Pam have been fostering together since 1985 and have dedicated their lives to supporting children with disabilities and their families. Through overnight short breaks, they provide children with a safe, caring environment while giving parents and carers valuable time to rest and recharge.
It is a role that requires patience, expertise and commitment, but for this dedicated couple it has always been about something much simpler.
“We’ve done it for so long because we love it and will keep going for as long as we can,” they said.
Over the years, they have cared for children with a wide range of disabilities and complex needs, allowing them to develop skills and experience along the way. Yet for them, the relationships built mean the absolute most.
“We are like unofficial grandparents to the children we care for and an extension to their families,” they explained. “We get invited to spend Christmas with families and share other special occasions.”
Many of these connections continue long after their fostering role ends, with John and Pam remaining in touch with families they have supported over the years.
Their home is a place where children are encouraged to have fun, develop confidence and build independence. One young person even described visiting the couple as being “like going to Disneyland” because they enjoyed it so much.
The pair are passionate advocates for healthy living and helping children develop skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. They are equally proud of the reassurance their support offers to families, helping to prevent them from feeling overwhelmed by caring responsibilities.
Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Education, Employment and Skills, said:
“I am absolutely delighted that John and Pam have been recognised with MBEs. Their dedication, compassion and commitment over more than 40 years have made an incredible difference to children and families across our Borough.
“This honour is richly deserved, but it is also an opportunity to celebrate all foster carers, whose kindness and support helps transform young lives every day.”
“Foster carers play an amazing role in our communities. To each and every foster carer, I thank you for the incredible work you do, for your unwavering dedication, compassion and love. We are incredibly thankful for everything our foster carers do to provide local children with secure, loving homes where they can thrive and reach their full potential.
“John and Pam’s story is also a reminder that more foster carers are needed across the Borough. Fostering is not a one-size-fits all role, with opportunities including part-time and full time fostering available. People from many different backgrounds can foster if they have a spare room, a stable home and a desire to make a positive difference to a child’s life. Even if you can only foster for a few days a month, we encourage you to get in touch with our team, as part-time fostering opportunities are also available in addition to full-time ones.”
To find out more about fostering with Telford & Wrekin Council, visit www.telfordfostering.co.uk