A Northolt couple who ‘changed a child’s world’ have been awarded Ealing Council’s Foster Carer of the Year award.
Anna and Jacek Kobryn were honoured at the council’s annual awards ceremony on Saturday 22 November. The event celebrated the dedication of foster carers across the borough.
Around 85 guests attended, including the Mayor of Ealing, Councillor Anthony Kelly and his wife Maria, Councillor Josh Blacker, the council’s cabinet member for a fairer start, and Joanne Dempster, the council’s assistant director of children’s services.
Anna and Jacek began fostering in 2023. They now care for 2 children – a 17-year-old girl and a 9-year-old girl – and have previously cared for a 13-year-old boy. They were nominated for their exceptional commitment over the past year. The couple stepped in during times of urgent need, welcoming 2 young people on an emergency basis and creating a safe and loving home.
Changing worlds
One nomination summed up the impact of their care: They wrote: “From the beginning, Anna reframed the child’s behaviour as trauma, giving us all hope that it was possible to hold her pain. The carer enabled this child to experience a normal family life and showed that she could be emotionally held. This kind of care prevents a narrative of self-loathing and self-harm in adolescence, and she has changed this child’s world.”
Speaking after receiving the award, Anna said: “We were very surprised as we didn’t expect at all to win. It still feels unreal but it is great, and we are very proud of having received the award. It is good when someone recognises your hard work.”
Councillor Blacker added: “It’s a source of great pride to meet some of the fantastic foster carers we have in the borough. Their commitment, compassion, and dedication to improving the lives of children and young people is truly inspirational. I want to say a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of them.”
Special recognition
The ceremony also recognised carers who have fostered for 5, 10, 20 and 25 years, as well as those who have gone above and beyond. Special recognition awards went to:
- Kinship Award – Marilyn
For caring for her 17-year-old granddaughter and great grandson, providing a loving home during an unexpected chapter in her life
- Fostering Award – Nina
For 25 years of fostering and her role as the borough’s first hub carer for the Mockingbird Project, building a strong support network for children and carers
- Nurturing Beginnings Award – Alganesh
For 17 years of fostering and her therapeutic approach, especially for babies and toddlers
- Extraordinary Impact Award – Hazel and Clifford
For supporting a sibling group in crisis while also creating a safe and supportive home for two teenagers
- Going the Extra Mile Award – Abbey and Mussie
For their flexibility and commitment, from emergency placements to supporting other carers and children
Working together
The council continues to grow its fostering service through work such as the Mockingbird Project, which creates extended family-style support networks; the Foster with West London Hub, making fostering more visible and accessible; and the council’s partnership with Now Foster, introducing weekend carers to give children another trusted adult in their lives.
Interested in fostering?
Go to the council’s fostering website for more information.
