Edinburgh’s Julie Coghill has won a Pride of Britain Award in recognition of her services to foster care.
Julie, an Edinburgh Council carer, has looked after more than forty babies for over the past fifteen years. Around eighty per cent of the babies that Julie looks after have ‘NAS’ status which means that they have been born with symptoms associated with drugs withdrawal.
Julie, who rubbed shoulders with celebrities like Cheryl Cole, JLS and other celebrities at the Pride of Britainceremony, said:
“After the initial shock of finding out I had been nominated and then finding out that I’d won a Pride of Britain award, I was delighted to go to London to receive the award. This was not only recognition for my own work for the council over the last 15 years but, just as much, it’s important recognition for the work that each and every carer does each day to improve the lives of young people who need support.”
City Children & Families Leader Cllr Marilyne MacLaren said:
“Julie’s dedication to caring these most vulnerable of babies is astounding and I’m delighted that she has been awarded for her huge effort over the past fifteen years. Julie steps in when babies are at their most fragile and she cares for them and helps them through the most difficult of times. Not only is she devoted to her day to day caring role she is a true champion for foster care.”
The Council continues to have a shortage of foster carers. Carers are needed for babies and young children under five, over fives, teenagers, children with emotional and behavioural problems, children from black & minority ethnic backgrounds and children with disabilities.
The Pride of Britain Awards were broadcast on STV on Wednesday 5th October.
Carers get paid as self-employed people by the Council and receive a fee, allowances, full training and ongoing support. Depending on the type of caring work taken on, the rewards can be around the level of a well paid full-time job. Carers also get funds to provide pocket money and to buy Christmas presents.
Foster carers must be over 21 years old. They can be single, married or part of a long-term relationship. They can be a tenant or homeowner. Some have children of their own and some don’t. Carers don’t need to be well-off or in work.
Anyone interested in finding out more about fostering can call the City of Edinburgh Council free on 0800 174 833 or visit the Council’s foster care web pages.
