A new scheme to support looked after children, foster carers and their families has been launched in Cumbria.
The award-winning Mockingbird programme is led by The Fostering Network in partnership with 62 fostering services across the UK and has now been adopted by Cumbria Fostering.
The pioneering fostering model is based on the concept of extended family. It creates a constellation of 6 to 10 ‘satellite’ fostering families who are supported by an experienced ‘hub home’ foster carer.
The first constellation in Cumberland was launched earlier this month at a special event in Workington, while a second constellation in Westmorland and Furness was launched at an event in Barrow.
The hub home carers of Cumberland's first constellation, Alex and Ian Nancollis, attended the launch at Workington’s Washington Central Hotel, along with other carers in their constellation. Alex said: “It has been really good to be able to come together and have this official launch today. Ian and I absolutely believe it takes a village to raise a child and we are delighted that Cumbria Fostering has embraced the Mockingbird model.”
As well as offering vital support and guidance, the hub home carers organise activities such as coffee mornings, parties, sleepovers for the children, respite breaks for foster carers, and other social events.
The first hub home carers in Westmorland and Furness, Grace and Kelsey Williamson, were at the launch event in Barrow’s Holiday Inn. Grace said: “Becoming a foster carer can be challenging but this new programme focuses on bringing foster carers together to support each other and the children in their care. I would just like to thank everyone who has agreed to be in the first constellation with us - we are really looking forward to the journey to come!"
The additional support which Mockingbird offers has proven to improve placement stability for children in care, prioritise sibling connections, promote active child protection, support permanence and improve the support provided to foster carers.
You can find out more about our Mockingbird programme and about fostering with us by visiting cumbriafostering.org.uk