Every summer, something truly special takes flight across our Mockingbird community: a celebration of connection, joy and belonging we call Mockingbird Roost.
It’s our annual mini adventure day that brings together fostering families from across the country for a day of fun, laughter, and shared memories.
And this year, we proved once again that the Mockingbird spirit is one of resilience, creativity, and heart. Between July and September, we hosted seven incredible Roost events in some spectacular settings, from zoos and safari parks to a castle. Over 3,000 children, young people and their fostering families joined us, representing 170 constellations from 80 fostering services.
Art, Adventure and a Shared Sense of Belonging
This year’s Roost theme was all about celebration, connection and creativity. Each constellation was invited to take part in collaborative art activities , designing their own constellation flags, decorating community trees with thumbprint leaves, and crafting colourful Mockingbirds to represent their unique identities.
These creative moments became more than just art projects. They became symbols of unity and a visual reminder that every thumbprint, every flag, and every hand-painted Mockingbird contributes to something bigger.
Between the crafting, laughter and chatter, families enjoyed spending time together, meeting other constellations and had plenty of time to explore the venues at their own pace. Whether it was spotting lions on safari, wandering through castle grounds, or sharing stories over sandwiches, it was a day to connect, recharge and celebrate being part of something extraordinary.
The Heart of Mockingbird
What makes the Mockingbird model so powerful isn’t just its structure; it’s the people. The carers, children, young people, and teams who make every constellation shine.
At each Roost, we saw the best of our community in action: new friendships forming, laughter ringing through the air, and young people and adults enjoying the chance to connect with each other and create works of art that celebrated their relationships and their constellations.
A Huge Thank You
Pulling off seven events of this scale is no small feat. Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who made Mockingbird Roost 2025 possible. Your dedication, teamwork and passion helped create magical memories for thousands of children and families, and that’s something to be proud of.
Until Next Year…
As the summer sun sets on another series of Mockingbird Roosts, we’re left inspired by the artwork, energised by the laughter, and deeply grateful to be part of such an extraordinary community.
See some of their artwork below and relive the joy of this year’s Roost!
