Two foster carers receive highest award from council for ‘dedication’ to young people

Two foster carers have received awards for their life-changing support and commitment to young people under their care.

Henrietta Pierce-Onyema and Shahnolz-Lorraine Lovelock-Young were each given the Freedom of the Borough award, the highest civic award that Southwark council can give to an individual.

Ms Pierce-Onyema has been a foster carer for more than 20 years. She has looked after some of the most vulnerable young people at times of crisis. 

After the ceremony at Southwark Cathedral, Ms Pierce-Onyema 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. The support of Southwark’s fostering service has meant that I am able to meet the needs of more children.”

 Ms Lovelock-Young is also dedicated to supporting young people. She 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 halfway, 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 Ms Pierce-Onyema and the Claudette Coke Award of Excellence to Ms Lovelock-Young.

Councillor 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.”

Pictured top: From left, Councillor Catherine Rose and Henrietta Pierce-Onyema,  Cllr Barrie Hargrove and Shahnolz-Lorraine Lovelock-Young, at the Southwark Civic Awards 2023 (Picture: Southwark council)