In a heartwarming recognition of dedication and compassion, two extraordinary foster carers have been named on this year’s King’s Birthday Honours list. Elisabeth (Liz) and Gavin Brownlees, who foster for Birmingham Children’s Trust, are due to receive the Medal of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) for their unwavering commitment to providing safe, loving homes to vulnerable children.
Prior to becoming foster carers for Birmingham Children’s Trust in 2019, Liz and Gavin were both already working with children living in residential care and children with disabilities.
Their commitment in ensuring each child had the opportunity to live within a nurturing family home led them to enquire about becoming foster carers.
Due to their backgrounds, Liz and Gavin now foster young people who have either been in residential care or were due to be placed in residential care due to the complexity of their needs. Additionally, they have cared for children for which no other foster family could be identified, allowing these children to grow up and thrive in a loving, stable and nurturing family home.
On hearing about their award on the King’s Birthday Honours list, Liz said:
“We feel honoured to be recognized for the care we have provided for all the children we have looked after. We are happy that this award is highlighting fostering and hope that it can help and encourage others to join such a rewarding career.”
Charlie Ward, who is Liz and Gavin’s Social Worker and nominated them for the award said:
“This honour is very much deserved by Liz and Gavin and their lovely family.
After working in fostering for over 10 years, I can genuinely say that Liz and Gavin are some of the most skilled, dedicated, patient and genuinely caring foster carers I have had the pleasure of working with.
They have made such a genuine, positive difference to the lives of the children and young people they have cared for, fully embracing them into their family and offering them unwavering commitment, no matter what challenges are faced.
Even when young people leave their care as adults, they remain part of the family, coming over for roast dinners on a Sunday, and being part of celebrations.
They are excellent advocates and work tirelessly to ensure that young people’s voices are heard and the services they need are in place. This is an incredible achievement for Liz and Gavin and I am very proud of them.”
A huge congratulations to Liz and Gavin for their well-deserved recognition from everyone at Birmingham Children’s Trust!
If you’ve been inspired by Liz and Gavin’s story and would like to find out more about becoming a foster carer, call our friendly team today on 0121 303 7575, or enquire online.
