Kirklees Together

Two long-serving foster carers with the council say they are “shocked but so proud” after being awarded MBEs in the King’s Birthday Honours List.

During an incredible 34-year career in fostering, Pam and Len Pattinson have cared for over 100 vulnerable children and young people.

They are still in touch with many of them after providing a loving home, a caring family environment and life-changing levels of support.

The couple, who first contacted the council after their own children had grown up, are now receiving official royal approval for their amazing services to fostering.

Pam said:

“We heard about the awards when two letters arrived in the post. It was completely out of the blue and we really thought it must be a scam.

“Once we knew it was true, we couldn’t believe the honour. These things don’t happen to people like me and Len, so we were shocked but so proud.

“I can honestly say fostering has been a wonderful experience over the years and it’s something we’re so happy to have done.

“Len was a farmer by trade and used to work for the National Children’s Home, where they had their own farm attached. Len would take six young people at a time to teach them farming.”

Pam and Len recently retired from fostering, but not before building up a vast range of experiences with children and young people in care.

Pam explained:

“We started with long term fostering, looking after teenage girls. We did this for many years then went on to short term fostering, emergencies and also mother and baby placements. I was asked to be a birthing partner for eight babies, which was a wonderful privilege.

“They were all rewarding experiences in their own way. The children learn from you, but we always say we learn from them. You gain something different from each child, this is how you build up your experience.

“We’re just people who get on with something and try to do their best, but it does feel special when you’re making a difference in somebody’s life.

“A lot of the boys and girls have stayed in touch, even after a lot of years. Some are well into their 40s now, but they still think of us as parents.

“Different people go in different ways, of course, but it’s wonderful to see people in good jobs, running their own businesses or making a good life for themselves.

“They have just become part of our family, the same as our own children, so they ring up or call round for tea in all the same ways.

“When you belong to the same home and family, there’s such a closeness. There’s one young man who says being in foster care with Len and myself was the best time of his life, which makes us so proud.

“One of the mother and baby placement always says, “thank you, you saved us”. When she heard about the award, she sent us a message saying, “I’m so proud to call you MY FAMILY”. It’s little things like this that makes you feel we have done our job well.

“We always had wonderful support from Kirklees Council and very much appreciated everything they did. They looked after us and they understand the way you work.

“For all those years, we absolutely loved fostering. We would say it’s a special thing for anyone to do.”

Tom Brailsford, Kirklees Council’s Executive Director for Children and Families, said:

“We’re thrilled that Pam and Len are receiving MBEs – the honour is thoroughly deserved.

“We want all of our children and young people to have a safe and nurturing home which helps them to thrive and, for more than three decades, Pam and Len provided that vital support.

“The commitment of carers can bring lifelong change in a young person’s life, no matter what their circumstances might be, and we’re immensely proud of the Kirklees fostering family.

“We work with carers every step of the way and we always want to hear from people who can support our children in care.”

Inspired by Pam and Len’s story?

Fostering with the council helps children and young people to stay closer to what’s most important, such as their friends, family members and school.

Carers receive full training and wraparound support, as well as a payments and benefits package.

Start your fostering journey today. To find out more about fostering with the council visit our website or give us a call on 0800 389 0086.