The life-changing work of foster carers across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole has been recognised at an inspiring awards ceremony.
With more than 200 fostering households across our three towns, the event offered the perfect opportunity to celebrate the lasting impact they have and to say ‘thank you’ for all their hard work.
Dozens of awards were handed out at BCP’s Fostering and Supported Lodgings Awards 2025 – reflecting the diverse range of fostering routes – with Bournemouth University hosting the event in their Fusion building.
Cllr Richard Burton, Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People at BCP Council, said: “Foster carers are underrated heroes in society; the work they do supports development and changes lives. Our children and young people deserve the best opportunities to succeed in life – and foster carers do an incredible job at supporting that personal growth and development across our communities. Foster carers do such important work, often quietly and without fanfare. It’s always a pleasure to attend the Awards and hear the stories behind the incredible support they give to children and young people across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.”
Among the winners were Pat and Dave Gubbs, who were presented with the Alison Elms Legacy award, whose dedication to helping children and young people build confidence and pursue their passions has made a huge impact.
Pat and Dave first started fostering in 2012 and, in that time, have taken around 40 children under their wings – from a two-day-old baby, and premature twins, to teenagers about to embrace the adult world.
Currently, there are around 350 children and young people placed with in-house carers across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole, and the Council is always looking to recruit more foster carers who can offer a safe and supportive home.
Often, there can be misconceptions about becoming a foster carer – and the friendly team is on hand to offer advice and guide people through the process. Applicants from all walks of life are encouraged to consider fostering to provide loving spaces for children and young people who need safe, stable, and nurturing environments.
Foster carers Shirley and Graham said: “I know when people come into fostering they imagine that there will be barriers and are nervous about how it works, but you needn’t be. The process takes about six months, and during that time you will receive really good training and feel supported throughout the process.”
“My tip to anyone thinking about fostering is to go and see if it’s something you can do. Don’t rush into any decisions if you don’t want to – get the information and have a think about it.”
Often, there can be misconceptions about becoming a foster carer – and the friendly team is on hand to offer advice and guide people through the process. Applicants from all walks of life are encouraged to consider fostering to provide loving spaces for children and young people who need safe, stable, and nurturing environments.
To find out more about the impact of fostering, and to explore the opportunity in more detail, why not join one of the Council’s online information sessions, being held on Monday, 20 October at 6.30pm.
For more information, visit bcpfostering.co.uk or email ellie.goddard@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.
Photo: Audrey Hunt (Pat and Dave’s first supervising social worker), Rubina Payne (Head of Fostering at BCP Council), Pat & Dave Gubb, and Anita Bailey (their current supervising social worker).
