Southwark foster carers among local heroes honoured by the borough at civic awards

12 June 2023

Two Southwark foster carers were recognised for their life-changing support and extraordinary commitment to young people under their care at this year’s Civic Awards.

were each given the Freedom of the Borough. This is the highest civic award that Southwark Council can give to an individual.

Henrietta has been a foster carer for over 20 years, opening her heart and home to countless children and young people entering the foster system. She has looked after some of the most vulnerable young people at times of crisis, forming the same deep and enduring bond with all those who come to know her care. It is no surprise that many still remain in touch with her which is testament to her compassion, nurturing and always advocating for those she supports, particularly around education.

After the ceremony at Southwark Cathedral, Henrietta said: “The day was so well organised, so wonderful. Thank you for this award. Receiving it made me feel so special and appreciated. Fostering means everything to me. Of course Southwark’s fostering service is very good. The support of the service has meant that I am able to meet the needs of more children.”

Shahnolz-Lorraine’s is a home full of unconditional love and acceptance for the young person under her care. Regardless of what the young person is facing, Shahnolz-Lorraine helps them to navigate their challenges with patience and empathy, resulting in stronger relationships and better self-regulation. Shahnolz-Lorraine takes an extra special interest in the young person’s talents, supporting them and taking great joy in watching them flourish. She goes above and beyond to research and seek training to help her continue developing her parenting style, while ensuring the young person in her care remains connected to their family.

After the Civic Awards, Shahnolz-Lorraine said: “It was a really special day. I don’t foster for recognition and had not thought of getting an award, but it is warm and uplifting to receive this. Fostering feels like serving others and service to others is important to me. It’s about building up our youth as they are our tomorrow. You have to meet them half way, let go of some of your control as an adult, and allow them to lead the way while safeguarding them.”

Both women were also recognised at this year’s Foster Carer’s ball where the council awarded the Southwark Fostering Service Resilience Award to Henrietta and the Claudette Coke Award of Excellence to Shahnolz-Lorraine.

Cllr Jasmine Ali, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Education & Refugees, said: “Henrietta and Shahnolz-Lorraine really are the gold standard of foster caring. Their dedication to the young people they care for is a gift and a privilege that our borough is immensely grateful for and proud of. The difference Henrietta and Shahnolz-Lorraine are making in young people’s lives cannot be understated; they provide a sense of stability, understanding, nurture and security to help young people grow and mature. We are delighted they have both been recognised at this year’s Civic Awards for their outstanding contribution to children and young people.”

The Civic Award Ceremony was part of an event in two halves, followed by the Annual Meeting of the Council. A traditional part of the annual meeting is where the next Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Southwark are appointed. Councillor Michael Situ received the Mayoral chain from outgoing Mayor Councillor Sunil Chopra. His Deputy was named as Councillor Naima Ali.

Page last updated: 20 June 2023