Date published: 2026-10-27 | Category: Delivering for local residents
Dedicated foster carers including a couple who have looked after children for more than 40 years were celebrated at a special event hosted by Bath & North East Somerset Council.
The amazing support provided by foster carers, fostering families carers and supported lodgings hosts came under the spotlight at the event in Midsomer Norton recently.
The evening recognised all carers and those reaching significant fostering milestones. Among them were Linda and Chris Pillinger, who have been supporting children for more than 40 years.
Linda who started fostering in 1984 said: “Chris and I are happy to talk to anyone who is interested in fostering. It can be hard work but you will be supported along the way by social workers and other foster carers. Fostering is very rewarding and making relationships with the children, providing a happy stable home for them, seeing them relax and thrive is both fun and fulfilling.
“It was great to see so many people at the Celebration Evening. It was a great evening. We were all given some beautiful flowers and a certificate which we appreciated.”
Linda has her own podcast episode with Fostering South West and is encouraging people to listen to if they want to find out more about becoming a foster carer.
Chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council, Councillor Shaun Stephenson-McGall, said: “It was a real honour to attend the celebration evening and to meet so many amazing carers from Bath & North East Somerset who have opened their hearts and their homes to children. The council has an ongoing need for more local foster carers particularly for teenagers, sibling groups and children with additional needs.”
Currently, Bath & North East Somerset Council is encouraging residents from all backgrounds to explore fostering and find out how they could make a difference to the life of a local child.
In addition to helping a child or young person, carers get practical and emotional support, including a therapist who can work with a fostering family. There are competitive rates of pay and 25 per cent off council tax bills if someone is providing a home for more than 75 per cent of the year.
Anyone interested in becoming a foster carer can find out more by visiting our website or contacting the Alternative Care Team or Fostering South West.