Bury Council expands innovative foster care support with second Mockingbird Constellation

Thursday, 27 February 2025 15:50

By David Murphy

Bury Council is pleased to announce the launch of its second Mockingbird constellation this month.

The globally award-winning Mockingbird Family Model, led in the UK by the Fostering Network, creates a supportive community for foster carers and cared-for children.

A typical Mockingbird constellation includes six to ten foster families, known as satellite families, centred around a hub home managed by hub carers who bring a wealth of experience to the role. This model replicates the support structure of an extended family, promoting relationships among foster families.

The constellation offers carers connections, guidance, social activities, and both planned and emergency care, and allows the children to spend time with each other and form friendships.

Bury's first Mockingbird constellation, launched in March 2024, has already positively impacted the lives of children, young people, and their carers through the support and sense of community it has developed.

Councillor Lucy Smith, cabinet member for children and young people, said:

"We are pleased to introduce a second Mockingbird constellation in Bury. This program builds a caring and resilient community, empowering families to support each other and overcome challenges. It significantly enhances placement stability and supports permanency for children and young people.

"Our goal is to continue expanding our Mockingbird programme, with plans to launch a third constellation later this year. The initiative offers local foster carers and families in Bury huge support and helps to make Bury a great place to foster. I am grateful to everyone who has contributed to the success of the Mockingbird program so far."

Nicola is the Mockingbird Hub Carer for the first Bury cohort. She said:

“I offer a wide range of support from emotional support over the phone to practical help such as looking after children to allow foster carers to attend training sessions. The children might come to my house for a sleepover, and they see it as a fun place to be, more like extended family than another professional in their lives.”

Barbara who has been a foster carer for seven years, added,

"It's a fantastic network. We have meetings, days out, and activities for the children. Nicola is always available if you need to discuss anything. It's comforting to know there's someone at the end of the phone. You have the full support of Mockingbird."

For further information about the Mockingbird Model see Mockingbird: A really big family (youtube.com) and The Mockingbird programme | The Fostering Network

In Bury we are committed to offering the highest quality of service possible, and are currently recruiting foster carers for all ages to provide safe and loving homes to children in our community.

If you are interested in becoming a foster carer in Bury please get in touch or visit Foster with Bury.