Photo: Director & Founder, Aijaz Ahmad, giving the opening ceremony speech

Rainbow Fostering Services proudly marked its 27th Annual Foster Carers & Staff Awards Gala on the 22nd of November 2025 in London embracing this year’s powerful theme: Cultural Elegance – Celebrate Your Roots.

From shimmering saris to vibrant African fabrics, classic evening attire to embroidered traditional dress, the hall came alive in a vibrant tapestry of cultures, histories, and identities. The theme invited everyone to proudly express where they come from — and to honour the heritage that shapes who we are. We welcomed our carers, staff and community from across the UK, travelling from as far as Leeds!

CELEBRATING 27 YEARS IN CLASSIC RED CARPET STYLE

Guests delighted in the red-carpet welcome, enjoyed a selection of non-alcoholic drinks, and made the most of the photo booth to capture memories and showcase their beautiful outfits!

**The Event Space**

A stunning ballroom setting used for weddings and grand events, where every detail came together to create a truly memorable night.

**🎤 Words That Moved the Room**

We were honoured to welcome **Tyrone Haugton**, whose powerful spoken-word poetry performance left the audience in reflective silence… followed by a wave of applause. His words rooted in identity, belonging and courage, echoed the lived experiences of many within the Rainbow family.

💃 Dance, Connection & Pure Joy

Energy soared as our Bollywood dance performance and workshop began — bringing colour, rhythm and spontaneity to the dance floor. Guests slowly began tapping feet… then clapping… and soon enough, dancing. It was impossible not to smile. The best guest dancers received gifts on the dance floor!

Photo: Foster Carers enjoying the dance workshop!

🤝 Special Guests Who Inspire Change

We were privileged to have the presence of Taz Khan MBE, founder of London Community Kitchen — a champion of dignity, food equity, and community empowerment.

His ongoing collaboration and support reflect a shared belief: it takes a whole community to lift up a child.

We also welcomed a number of additional guests, supporters and friends of Rainbow whose presence made the evening even more meaningful.

🌟 Celebrating the Heroes of Rainbow Fostering

Awards were presented to foster carers and staff whose exceptional service has brought comfort, stability and hope to children in care leading to incredible outcomes. We were proud to celebrate some of our young people who attended with their carers — one embarking on medical studies at a top 10 UK university, and another beginning a successful career as an electrician.

Photo: Director, Aijaz Ahmad & Special Guest Taz Khan MBE presenting an award to a Rainbow foster carer

👏 Honouring 19 Years of Devotion

One of the most emotional and heartwarming moments of the evening was celebrating a cherished staff member who is retiring after 19 years with Rainbow. That’s almost two decades! Their legacy lives on in every placement, every success story, and every young person whose life was changed by feeling safe and cared for. We thank you for your service and hard work, Jenny.