Seven foster families came together in Calne on Sunday 14 July to celebrate the launch of the first Mockingbird family constellation in Wiltshire.
Mockingbird is a pioneering programme led by The Fostering Network. The model is based around the support and relationships that an extended family provides, nurturing relationships between children, young people and foster families and supporting them to build a resilient and caring community.
Wiltshire Council has worked with The Fostering Network to set up the first network.
To form a constellation, foster carers join a network with other foster carers, each of which are described as satellite foster homes. At the centre of each constellation is a ‘hub’ home, with a paid, experienced foster carer able to provide resources and support for the satellite carers. This will form a support network for the children and young people, similar to that of an extended family, including sleepovers and shared social activities.
Families are able to support each other to overcome any problems before they have a chance to escalate or lead to a placement breakdown.
The first constellation was celebrated by the families at a launch party held at Beversbrook Sports Centre in Calne, with games, crafts, party food and cake. The event was also attended by Cllr Laura Mayes, Cllr Sam Pearce-Kearney and social workers from Wiltshire Council’s fostering team.
Nikki Le Huquet, Hub Carer for the Mockingbird Calne Hub, said, “I’m very proud to be the first hub carer for Wiltshire Council working together to help families thrive through having an extra support network. Mockingbird is like having an extended family and we are all very excited to start spending time together on the fun days out we have organised for the year.
“I am also looking forward to providing vital support and help nurture relationships in a caring community within our constellation. The satellite families are truly lovely, and we all have a lot to give in our fostering journey. I’m very grateful to be a part of Mockingbird and building new friendships.”
Bethan Drew from The Fostering Network, said, “At the Fostering Network, we are thrilled that Wiltshire have launched their first Mockingbird constellation. Across the country, the Mockingbird model is delivering amazing outcomes for children, young people and foster carers. Huge congratulations to the Wiltshire team and we are looking forward to the launches of even more constellations in the future.”
Wiltshire Council is recruiting foster carers now, with a range of flexible roles on offer including full time, short break or emergency care.
To find out more about fostering in Wiltshire and the Mockingbird family model, people can visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/fostering or contact the team at email hidden; JavaScript is required.