Alsager’s Caring Side

An Alsager couple who have fostered more than 20 children have been recognised with a long-service award from Cheshire East Council. Ann and Arthur Frost were among those recognised at a ceremony in Congleton where 25 awards were presented to foster carers across the Borough in recognition of the way they improve the lives of young people. Ann and Arthur, who live in Alsager, are currently fostering twin boys with Down’s syndrome who have been with them for about 12 years.

Ann said their dedication is “simply borne from a love of helping young people.” She added: “We love children and get a lot of satisfaction with our job as foster carers. We can’t see our house without children and can see a real difference in some of the children we’ve fostered over the years. Some children didn’t know what Christmas was until they came to us and now they enjoy it as normal.” Husband Arthur added: “We’ve had our ups and downs over the years but we’ve always had support from the Council’s fostering team We’ve enjoyed what we’ve done and still keep in touch with many of the children we’ve fostered.” Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cheshire East Council’s cabinet member in charge of children and families said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the brilliant service of our foster carers. For 33 years, Ann and Arthur have shown an outstanding commitment to fostering children and I can’t thank them enough for everything they have done. Around 300 children and young people need a foster home in Cheshire East each year ranging from anything from one day a week, every week, to every day for the remainder of their childhood and beyond. Foster carers are a highly-dedicated group of people, many who have worked for Cheshire East Council for years and who have dedicated their lives to caring for and nurturing children in need.” Cheshire East Council would like to hear from couples who wish to foster and who, like Ann and Arthur, can offer a loving home to a child. If you are interested in fostering in Cheshire East, visit: www.foster4cheshireeast.co.uk