Over her 25‑year career as a foster carer for Ealing Council, Nina Samuel has welcomed more than 40 young people into her home, supporting each through some of their toughest moments.

But the Acton‑based carer recently experienced something entirely new when a palace‑stamped envelope arrived, inviting her to Windsor Castle to meet Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

The reception, titled ‘A Reception to Recognise Carers in the United Kingdom’, was attended by members of the Royal Family, including the King and Queen. It brought together carers and care professionals from across the UK.

Nina said: “It was mesmerising – we felt like kings and queens for the day.”

Nina was nominated to attend the celebrations by a member of the council’s fostering support team in recognition of her long service and exceptional contribution to children and young people in the borough.

Nina said she was struck by the King’s interest in fostering. She explained: “He knew a lot about fostering and the challenges young people face.”

She added: “He listened closely as we talked about our experiences – it meant a great deal.”

A lifetime of helping young people thrive

Nina began fostering more than 25 years ago, when she was a single parent with 2 young children of her own and considering a future in social work. What she first imagined as a 5‑year commitment soon became a vocation.

Most of the young people Nina has cared for over the years have been teenagers, and many of them stay in touch long after leaving her home. Nina has a collection of treasured memories, including  supporting a teenage mother and her newborn daughter. The baby, who arrived at just 10 days old, is now 28 years old and visited Nina on Mother’s Day this year to introduce her fiancé.

She told Nina that the support she received during that time they shared has helped shape the life she has built.

Nina currently has 2 foster placements living with her, aged 16 and 13

A network of support

The council’s fostering service revealed its ‘Mockingbird’ programme last year, which aims to provide young people and foster carers with a wider support network. Nina became the first hub carer.

In this role she supports 7 fostering households offering practical help, emotional reassurance and a sense of community.

“Fostering isn’t a 9‑to‑5 job – it’s 24/7,” Nina said. “But when carers feel supported and connected, they don’t feel alone.”

She also supports 3 kinship carers who have stepped in unexpectedly to raise children within their families.

A message of gratitude

Robert South, strategic director for children’s services, said: “Nina’s dedication over 25 years shows the extraordinary impact foster carers have on children’s lives.

“Her recognition at Windsor Castle is richly deserved, and we’re proud to have carers like her in the borough. I want to thank Nina, and all our foster and kinship carers, for the vital difference they make every single day.”

Could you be a foster carer?

Ealing Council is looking for more people to join its community of foster carers.

If you have the space, compassion and commitment to support a child or teenager, get in touch.

Visit the council’s website or call 0800 731 6550.