150 thank-yous to a very special fostering couple

CARING nature... Glenys and Harold Cockcroft are presented with their award by Deputy Mayor, Councillor Olwen Chadderton, left.

A COUPLE who have fostered around 150 youngsters were the stars of the show at a celebration to thank carers.

Oldham Council organised the event at Lydgate’s White Hart to recognise participants in Oldham Fostering Service and the Shared Lives Scheme for their valuable contribution to looking after children and vulnerable adults across the borough.

And special recognition was given to Glenys and Harold Cockcroft, of Waterhead, who have been fostering for Oldham Council for 27 years, making them Oldham’s longest-serving foster carers.

Glenys said: “It was a nice surprise. It’s never been done before. You just feel as if there’s no acknowledgement so to be thanked is nice.”

The couple’s caring role began when they were asked to become an ‘aunt and uncle’ to children in foster homes, having youngsters round for tea and weekend trips.

Glenys said: “We just finished up fostering children and it snowballed from there. We enjoy looking after them. They come to us confused and within a couple of weeks you can see the sparkle back in their eyes. Just to see them develop is nice. You hear from them years later and that’s even better, knowing they have done well.”

The night was attended by the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Olwen Chadderton, who presented carers with long-service awards.

Councillor Hugh McDonald, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Families, Leisure and Culture, said: “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank each and everyone one of our carers for all their hard work and dedication.

“They really do make a difference to the lives of Oldham children and vulnerable adults.”

Oldham Fostering Service currently has 145 fostering households that provide a range of emergency, short-term and long-term placements to 176 children.

The Shared Lives Scheme enables vulnerable adults who need support to live independent lives in the community. Carers provide long-term placements and overnight short-term placements.

Interested in becoming a foster carer? Call 0161 770 6600 or, alternatively, if you would like to become a shared lives carer call 0161 770 8777.