Royal recognition for Tameside foster carer after 36 years 2026

Key Points

• Dave Atkins, aged 79, from Audenshaw, Tameside, was honored by the Royal Family at the King’s Garden Party held at Buckingham Palace.
• For a period exceeding 36 years, the single male foster parent made around 70 placements for teenage boys through the Tameside Council.
• For over 30 years, Atkins managed his own joinery company while fostering full time.
• He explained that he was motivated to foster because of his work helping a little boy who was staying in a dilapidated house during Christmas holidays.
• The palace visit was, according to him, “fantastic” and he attributed the young people he fostered as the reason for being invited there.
• Now nearing the end of his career in fostering, Atkins is encouraging others to become foster parents.
• Anyone aged 21 or above having an extra room is eligible to become a foster parent in Tameside Council.

Tameside (Manchester Mirror) August 18, 2026 – A uk/local/tameside/">Tameside foster carer has been honoured with royal recognition after dedicating more than three decades to supporting vulnerable children and young people. Dave Atkins, 79, from Audenshaw, was invited to the King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in acknowledgement of his long-standing commitment to fostering, having provided more than 70 placements for teenage boys through Tameside Council over 36 years.

As reported by the Tameside Correspondent, Atkins is a single male foster carer who balanced his fostering responsibilities with running his own joinery business for more than 30 years. Reflecting on his invitation to the palace, Atkins said:

“I couldn’t believe it had happened to me – it was fantastic”.

He added:

“I had to think why am I here and really, I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the wonderful young people I’ve cared for over the years, and what they’ve managed to achieve”.

How did Dave Atkins describe his experience at Buckingham Palace?

Atkins said one of his favourite moments was seeing the King and Queen appear on the balcony before walking down the steps.

“When I was younger, anytime I was in London I’d try and visit the palace and stand outside the gates, I never thought I’d be on the other side,”

he said. The experience even inspired Atkins to take up gardening after visiting the palace’s rose garden.

“It even gave me some inspiration when I was walking around their rose garden, which I’m now trying to grow my own!”

he said.

What inspired Dave Atkins to become a foster carer?

According to the Tameside Correspondent, Atkins began his fostering journey after supporting a young boy who had been living in a derelict house over Christmas. He subsequently offered the boy a full-time job and trained him as a joiner, an experience which helped inspire him to become a foster carer. Over the years, Atkins says the young people he has cared for have become part of his family.

“I’ve built my own family unit over the years and I’m so proud of every one of them for what they’ve done,”

he said.

“They really do support me, all of the young lads are so brilliant, and they all show their appreciation”.

What did Dave Atkins say about the impact of fostering on young people?

Atkins said one of the most rewarding aspects of fostering has been seeing the young people he cared for go on to build careers and families of their own, particularly after difficult starts in life. “We need more foster carers to support local children, and young people have the best start in life,” he said. Atkins is now approaching the end of his fostering journey but is encouraging others to consider becoming carers.

Dave said: “Please do enquire about fostering, there’s so many young people there just waiting for an opportunity”. “You’re bringing someone into your life who can benefit from being in your home, I cannot see how anyone would regret it,” he added. He continued: “I know times can be difficult but that happens in any family and you work through it with plenty of support, you’re never on your own with any problem so please go for it because these children need you”.

What support is available for people interested in fostering in Tameside?

Tameside residents are being encouraged to consider fostering, with the council saying applicants can be supported throughout the process. Anyone aged 21 or over can apply, provided they have a spare room, unless they are fostering a child under the age of two, and can offer a safe and loving home. Foster carers receive training, including online options, as well as support and an allowance. New carers also become part of the local fostering community, with access to support groups, social events, awards and a dedicated buddy.

Tameside Council and local foster carers also run regular ‘Let’s Talk Fostering’ drop-in sessions both in person and online. Anyone interested in fostering can contact the council by calling 0300 303 0321, emailing enquire@fosterforgm.com or visiting the council’s fostering website.

Background of the development

The recognition of Dave Atkins at the King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace forms part of a broader effort to highlight the contributions of foster carers across the United Kingdom. Royal garden parties have long been used to acknowledge individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities, particularly in areas such as social care, health, education and voluntary service. The invitation of a Tameside foster carer underscores the importance placed on fostering as a critical component of child welfare and community support in Greater Manchester. Tameside Council has been actively promoting fostering through campaigns and information sessions, aiming to recruit more carers to meet the needs of vulnerable children and young people in the borough.

Prediction: How this development can affect prospective foster carers and the Tameside community

The public recognition of Dave Atkins is likely to raise awareness of fostering opportunities in Tameside and may encourage more residents to consider becoming foster carers. By highlighting a local individual’s long-term commitment and the tangible difference made to more than 70 children, the story provides a relatable example for potential carers who may have been uncertain about the process or impact. Increased interest in fostering could lead to a larger pool of approved carers, enabling Tameside Council to place more children in stable, supportive homes and reduce reliance on emergency placements. For the community, this could translate into improved outcomes for vulnerable young people, including better educational attainment, mental health and long-term stability. However, the effect will depend on sustained outreach, adequate support structures and the capacity of the council to process applications efficiently. If the momentum from this recognition is maintained through targeted campaigns and continued visibility of foster carers’ stories, Tameside may see a measurable increase in fostering enquiries and approvals in the coming months.