Linda is a local council foster carer for Gloucestershire County Council. Read on and watch the video to find out more about her fostering journey.
“Making a difference to a young person’s life. Why would you not want to do that if you can?”
Linda, Gloucestershire County council foster carer
We are proud to introduce you to Linda, a foster carer for Gloucestershire County Council
Linda brings a lifetime of experience, compassion, and commitment to her role as a foster carer. At 69, she is proud of her remarkable 45‑year teaching career in secondary schools and further education, where she has dedicated herself to supporting young people to learn, grow, and thrive. That same passion for guiding teenagers naturally led her to fostering, a journey she began 16 years ago.
Linda has featured as a guest on our Fostering South West Podcast. You can watch the episode by clicking on the link below.
Over the years, Linda has offered short‑term placements, short breaks, and emergency care – mostly for teenagers, a group she understands and connects with deeply. Her calm presence, steady support, and grounded perspective have made her a safe and reassuring figure for countless young people facing uncertainty.
Outside of fostering, Linda enjoys a rich and vibrant life. She sings in a community choir, loves travelling, and has a particular passion for cooking with young people – finding that shared meals and time in the kitchen often create the perfect space for conversations, confidence, and connection.
For Linda, the best part of fostering is simple and powerful:
“Making a difference to a young person’s life. Why would you not want to do that if you can?” It’s a philosophy that has guided her throughout her teaching and fostering career, shaping the way she supports every young person who enters her home.
Her favourite moments are the ones that arrive unexpectedly: a message, a phone call, or a visit from a young person who once lived with her. Hearing how they are getting on – celebrating achievements, sharing life updates, or simply wanting to reconnect – means the world to her. These moments of continued contact remind Linda that the care, stability, and encouragement she offered truly made a lasting impact.
Sixteen years into fostering, Linda continues to welcome young people with patience, kindness, and an unwavering belief in their potential. Her home remains a place where teenagers feel understood, supported, and given the opportunity to flourish.
Interested in starting your fostering journey?
Get in touch with one of our experienced, friendly team to discuss your potential future as a foster carer…