Meet the carer of the year
Congratulations go to foster carer Anne McBurnie who won 'Best Carer' at the 2008 Evening News Community Awards in July. Anne, a foster carer with the Council for 25 years, was nominated for the award by her son-in-law and is thrilled to have won. [IMG1] "It was such a shock," she said. "I knew I'd been nominated but when I got the phone call to tell me I'd won I thought 'You're having a laugh'. Care for a Challenge? Look out for information in October about our specific need for specialist carers for some of the city's most vulnerable children. There'll be press and radio adverts, as well as posters, flyers and online information to attract carers who have the skills to look after children with disabilities and complex needs, as well as children who have particularly challenging behaviour. This type of foster care could be the change of career you're looking for. | "There were almost 40 people nominated in my category so I didn't think I had a chance. But it's fantastic to get recognised for something I love doing. "We were treated to a buffet and drinks at the Evening News offices at Holyrood and I got a beautiful crystal award to take home. "I started almost 25 years ago by offering respite care to children when my own daughters were young as it was something I could do from home. "I then moved on to foster care and I've lost count of the number of children I've cared for over the years. "All the family's involved. My daughter's just been approved for respite care and when her kids are older she's looking to go into fostering too. "And my grandchildren get involved as well. There's always someone new for them to play with and they love the company - it's a real family affair." And the best part of the job? "That's got to be seeing a happy ending. I'm lucky - most of the children I've cared for have been able to go home to their families. "And a phone call or visit always brightens my day. It's good to see how they're getting on and that they remember I was a part of their lives." If, like Anne, you could provide a stable loving foster home for a child, visit: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/fostering or call 0800 174 833 and see if you've got what it takes! |