At The Fostering Network, we're thrilled to share an incredible milestone in the journey of Mockingbird, our pioneering programme that’s transforming foster care support across the UK.
We've officially launched our 250th Mockingbird constellation – in fact, we’ve already reached 252!
This achievement marks a powerful testament to the dedication and collaboration of fostering services and carers nationwide. With these constellations now supporting an estimated 1,970 fostering households, we are positively impacting the lives of around 3,950 adults and 4,010 babies, children and young people.
Mockingbird brings foster families together into a supportive, extended network. Each constellation, led by a hub home carer, offers vital peer support, respite care, and social activities, helping to reduce isolation and improve placement stability.
The difference this makes is felt every day. Here are just a couple of voices from our community:
"I can't tell you how much this is all appreciated. I never feel on my own now." – Satellite carer
"The best part of the Mockingbird is going to Eileen's [hub home carer] because we play lots of fun games. The activity days are brilliant. It's fun and I get to play with other kids in foster care and they know what it's like and don't ask questions like other kids. I didn't like respite because we didn't know the people, but we know Eileen so it's better now." – Young person, aged 10
These heartfelt words highlight just how vital Mockingbird has become for those involved. For a deeper look at the impact we're making, take a moment to explore our 2024 Impact Report and watch our Young People’s Animation.
This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the passion, resilience and teamwork of our incredible colleagues and partners. Thank you to everyone who has played a part in nurturing and expanding this programme. Your efforts are shaping a brighter future for foster care.
Here’s to the next 250 constellations – and the thousands more lives we hope to touch along the way!
