Big-hearted Redbridge mum who has been fostering children in the borough for over three decades is honoured with MBE

An inspiring and big-hearted mum from Redbridge was honoured with a MBE recently for her dedication to helping vulnerable children in the borough.

For more than 33 years, Shagufta Asam has cared for hundreds of children as a foster carer, giving some of the borough’s most vulnerable children a safe, supportive and loving home.

Shagufta’s commitment to fostering was thrust into the spotlight in a monumental way this year when she was honoured with a MBE in the New Year Honours list, which recognises the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the UK with an award from the King.

Earning a coveted spot on the elite list saw Shagufta honoured with a well and truly deserved MBE.

She had no idea she had been nominated for it by her Supervisor Social Worker – a social worker all foster carers are allocated.

Speaking about the MBE Shagufta said: “My supervisor told me she was putting me forward for an award and I thought she meant an end of year award from the Fostering Team, but then a few weeks later I got a letter from the Cabinet Office saying I was being awarded a MBE! I was just shocked. Fostering is just what I do and love, it’s not something I expect to be awarded for, but it’s a real honour and privilege to get a MBE.”

The big-hearted mum from Ilford has four biological children and began her fostering journey with her family in the early 90s, when her own children were just one, three, seven and eight years old.

Talking about what had ignited her life-long commitment to fostering, Shagufta, a retiree, said: “My husband would go to the local mosque and there was always talk about the need for carers for children, so we decided to do something about it. That was in 1991 – and the rest is history! Although I had my own young family at the time, I felt I wouldn’t be taking on more than what I was already doing anyway. We always knew we wanted to open up our home to other children, and my own children were very accepting of it and enjoy having an extended family.”

At the moment she is foster mum to three teenage boys, but over the decades, Shagufta has taken in and cared for children ranging from babies to late teens, whether it’s for emergency overnight placements, or longer term.

With so many children being given a loving home when they’ve most needed it in their lives, it’s no wonder Shagufta and her family have become extended family to the many children she has cared for. The strong bonds formed with her foster children often last long after they have left her home.

“My first ever foster child was a baby boy we collected straight from the hospital. We looked after him for a year and half before he was adopted, and we have stayed in touch with him to this day.  He’s all grown up now and living a good life in Australia – it makes me so proud that we could play a role in giving him a good start in life.” said Shagufta.

The devoted full-time foster carer has many similar tales to tell and describes her life as being filled with family all over the world thanks to fostering.

 “I have children who I have fostered who have now grown up and live all around the world, and we still stay in touch. I feel like I have children all over the world. It’s an amazing feeling knowing how well they are all doing. Fostering is something I’m incredibly proud of – it brings so much happiness into our lives.”, said Shagufta.

In an endearing endorsement of her commitment to fostering, one of her current foster children touchingly added: “She’s a kind and supportive foster mum, and always has good advice when I need it. When I first came to the family Shagufta knew I had a big interest in football and signed me up to local clubs to help me settle in and develop my interests. She is an amazing person, and what she does changes lives. She makes me a better person and encourages me to be the best version of myself.”

Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Kam Rai said: “Shagufta is a shining example of how fostering can change lives. What she has given in the form of love, support and a safe environment for vulnerable children will have a lasting positive impact on all the children she has cared for over the years. Her MBE is testament to her incredible commitment to fostering, and well deserved. We always need more foster carers and volunteers to help support our most vulnerable children, and would encourage anyone who thinks they might be able to help to get in touch with our fostering service.”

Encouraging others to start their own fostering journey Shagufta said: “If you’re thinking about fostering – just go for it. It’s an amazing thing to do, and can be life changing not just for the child, but for you too. All you need is a spare room, the heart to do it and time. It can feel hard at times, but that’s just parenting in general! Being a foster carer brings so much joy and happiness to your life - seeing your foster kids thrive, stand on their own two feet and succeed in life brings meaning to everything you do.”

If you are interested in fostering and would like to find out more, head to www.redbridge.gov.uk/adult-and-childrens-services/fostering/

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