An Ealing couple who have been fostering children for 11 years have been recognised as Ealing Council’s Foster Carer of the Year Award.
Zeineb Sebri and Mukhtar Hassan received their award at a special ceremony which took place (30 November 2024) at the DoubleTree Hilton in Ealing Common which was attended by more than 100 people.
The fostering couple have been caring for three sisters and a brother for more than 7 years. The eldest of the children was among those who nominated the couple for their fostering.
Their nomination for Zeineb Sebri and Mukhtar Hassan said: “When we were living with our family, we had no chance of finishing education. Our carers would go out of their way to make sure that we never had any barriers in the way of school and education.
“They made us feel safe and protected when we were at our most vulnerable. We don’t know any other foster carers who were willing to care for 3 of their own children and agree to foster a sibling group on top of that. In our eyes that shows just how perfect they are both as foster carers and as people.”
On receiving their award, the couple said: “We were pleasantly surprised to hear that we are the foster carers of the year. For us, the most heartwarming words written by our foster children were very touching. It goes without saying that our lives were enriched by their presence in our household. Thank you to all involved that helped and supported us to be part of life changing experience.”
Councillor Josh Blacker, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for a fairer start, said: “The Foster Carer or the Year Award went to an exceptional couple. Through nurturing the special bond between them, they have created a safe and supportive home for the young people in their care.”
The awards ceremony also saw recognition to foster carers who have been helping children for 5, 10 and 20 years as well as awards given out for additional categories:
Out of Hours Champion Award: Magda Celmer and Marcin Apanowicz
Special Recognition Kinship Award: Marcia Richards
Special Recognition Fostering Award: Chinyere Okoro
Ealing Council told EALING.NEWS that there are currently 76 fostering households across the borough and it is seeking additional foster carers.
Councillor Blacker said: “The council has agreed new financial support to foster carers in recognition of the incredible job they do and to attract new carers within the borough. We’re really keen for anyone considering fostering to contact us to find out more.”
For more information on becoming an Ealing foster carer, click here.
