World javelin champion, former world record holder and twice Olympic medallist Fatima Whitbread MBE was the guest speaker at Torbay Council’s annual Children’s Services awards, held during Foster Care Fortnight (11-24 May 2026).

The awards ceremony, held for the fourth year in a row at the Riviera International Conference Centre on Wednesday 13 May 2026, celebrates the work of local Foster Carers and staff within Children’s Services at the Council. Awards were presented by Councillor Nick Bye, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Councillor Cordelia Law, Torbay’s Children’s Overview and Scrutiny Board, and Nancy Meehan, Director of Children’s Services for Torbay.

The awards are one of the ways Torbay Council celebrates the Children’s Services workforce and recognises their dedication and commitment. The Council is also currently recruiting to Children’s Services with a range of diverse and exciting roles available, and newly qualified social workers are supported via Torbay’s Learning Academy which is hosted by the Council.

Fatima Whitbread herself grew up in the care system and recently launched Fatima’s UK Campaign to support children in care and care leavers, aiming to help young people develop self-confidence, self-worth and life skills through improved support and resources.

Councillor Nick Bye, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services for Torbay said: “The Children’s Services Awards is an annual highlight for me and recognises the hard work and dedication of all those working in Children’s Services in Torbay including not only our staff but all our local Foster Carers as well, some of whom have been providing homes for Torbay children for twenty or twenty five years or more.

“We are so proud of the achievements of all the Children’s Services workforce here in Torbay and this is just one of the ways we like to celebrate. We are also currently recruiting staff to Children’s Services and we would love to hear from you if you wanted to join our team – visit our Torbay Jobs website to find out more.

“We were also thrilled to have Fatima Whitbread as guest speaker this year who talked about her experiences and how she overcame hardship to become an Olympic champion and her fantastic charitable work to support others.”

Categories of winners included:

Foster Carers –

• The Creative Foster Carer
• The Supportive Foster Carer
• Helping in a Crisis.

Children’s Services staff –

• Calm in the Eye of the Storm
• The Hidden Gem, The Innovator
• The Mountain Mover
• Champion in Providing Outstanding Support to Children and Young People
• Champion in Providing Outstanding Support to Parents/Carers
• Champion in Providing Support to Provisions, Providers, or Partners
• Outstanding Leaders Contribution
• Restorative Practice Champion
• Team of the Year.

Foster Care Fortnight (11 – 24 May 2026)

An annual campaign led by national charity The Fostering Network, the 2026 campaign theme for Foster Care Fortnight is ‘This is Fostering,’ focusing on showcasing real stories, celebrating the fostering community, and recruiting new carers.

There are still a number of Fostering information events taking place throughout May where you can speak to a member of Torbay’s Fostering team if you are thinking of becoming a Foster Carer.

Fostering information events throughout May

Sunday 17 May, 12pm to 2pm - Information drop in at Riviera International Centre (Aqua Lounge), Chestnut Avenue, Torquay, TQ2 5LZ

Thursday 21 to Saturday 23 May, 8.30am to 6pm - Devon County Show, Westpoint Arena, Clyst St Mary, Exeter, EX5 1DJ

Friday 29 May, 2pm to 10.30pm - English Riviera Airshow Day 1, Paignton Green, Esplanade Road, Paignton, TQ4 6BG

Saturday 30 May, 9am to 9.30pm - English Riviera Airshow Day 2, Paignton Green, Esplanade Road, Paignton, TQ4 6BG

Sunday 31 May, 9.30am to 8.30pm - English Riviera Airshow Day 3, Paignton Green, Esplanade Road, Paignton, TQ4 6BG

If you can’t attend any events but are still interested in Fostering, you can call 01803 207845, email fostering@torbay.gov.uk or visit our Fostering webpages

Earlier this week Annette from Torbay Council’s Fostering team gave an interview on Torbay Radio’s Brunch 2 Lunch show with Denise and Paula and you can listen to it here.  

More information on Fatima’s Campaign is available on her website.

Roles in Children’s Services

We are currently recruiting new staff to our Children’s Services so if you are a qualified social worker and want to join the team, take a look at our opportunities today and come join us at Team Torbay. Visit the Torbay Jobs website to find out more and apply.

You can also find out more about some of the work of our Children’s Services with blogs and vlogs that were created for World Social Work Day back in March.