On Wednesday 20 May 2026 The Right Reverend Dr Damien Mead, Chairman of Credo Care, had the great privilege of attending a celebration in the garden of Buckingham Palace, marking the achievements of young people who had gained their Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award, and celebrating the 70th anniversary of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Damien writes “I was proud to attend as a representative of Credo Care Fostering Limited, the agency I cofounded with Roy Hipkiss, and serve as Chairman, over 25 years ago.
During that time Credo Care has been dedicated to fostering children and young people with disabilities and complex additional needs.
Andy Neaves, one of Credo Care’s Foster Carers, had been invited to represent his day job, and I was looking forward to meeting up with him, but unfortunately, at the last minute, he wasn’t able to attend.
This occasion was important because Credo Care has worked in partnership with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award since 2022 to ensure that the children and young people we support are able to take part, contribute, achieve and be recognised. For many young people with disabilities, opportunities like this are not just about completing an award; they are about confidence, inclusion, independence, friendship and discovering what they are capable of.
We have thus far had 7 of our young people undertake the Bronze Award and 1 Silver Award.
It was fitting that this celebration took place during Foster Care Fortnight 2026, whose theme was “This is Fostering”. For us, this is fostering: opening doors, creating opportunities, believing in potential and standing alongside children and young people so they can achieve things they may once have thought impossible.
We were immensely proud of every young person who decides to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and grateful to the foster carers, staff, volunteers, and other partners who make these life-changing experiences possible.
Wednesday was a truly special day celebrating achievement, inclusion, and the power of opportunity.
