Wendy and Mark Beech – Carer of the Year nomination
Wendy and Mark Beech – Carer of the Year nomination
During their 20 years as foster carers Wendy and Mark Beech have opened their home to babies, children with special needs and an asylum seeker with young children. They’ve offered emergency placements, respite care and long-term placements.
They have now become Shared Lives carers so that a young person who originally came to them as a child can still receive their support despite now being classed as a care leaver.
The couple, from Alsager, have been nominated in the Carer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards by Marie Plant, Fostering Recruitment and Engagement Officer at Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
She said: “Wendy and Mark are passionate advocates for the children in their care, ensuring that each child’s voice is heard, valued and considered in decisions that affect their lives. They actively support children to express their wishes, feelings and views, helping them participate meaningfully in care planning, reviews and professional meetings.
“By promoting children’s involvement in decision-making, Wendy and Mark empower them to develop confidence, self-esteem and a sense of control over their future. They place a strong emphasis on meeting children’s emotional and physical needs, providing a safe, nurturing and supportive home environment where children can feel secure and thrive. Through attentive care and positive relationships, they help children build resilience and achieve positive outcomes.
“Wendy and Mark are also committed to supporting children’s educational achievement and aspirations. They work closely with schools, including the designated teacher for looked-after children, to ensure that appropriate support is in place and that any barriers to learning are addressed.
“By promoting high aspirations, celebrating achievements and encouraging children to reach their full potential they help children develop confidence in their abilities and a positive outlook towards their education and future opportunities.”
Wendy said: “It’s a shock to be nominated for a Your Heroes Award, particularly as we’re moving on to be Shared Lives carers. I’m really chuffed.”
She added: “If anyone is reading this and considering becoming a foster carer my advice is to definitely do lots of research and find what’s best for their own situation and what would work for them. A lot has changed over the years and people who thought they may not be eligible to be foster carers can now do it.”