Inspired by the power of community, Ana has spent the past decade helping to grow the Mockingbird programme across multiple regions. From its early days in Greenwich to new beginnings in Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire, she shares her journey of nurturing connection, supporting foster carers, and building family through the family model.
I started my journey with the Mockingbird family in 2015 when the Royal Borough of Greenwich became one of the two London local authorities taking part in The Fostering Network’s Mockingbird pilot project. At that point, I was drawn to the simple yet powerful idea of the community coming together around children and carers. So, I applied for the role of Mockingbird liaison officer. I thoroughly enjoyed being part of the carers' and young people's stories, connecting with children in a way that you can only achieve when you invest time and share both good and bad days, as well as delicious food.
After a while I felt that more children and carers should benefit from the Mockingbird model, so started the concept of “grow your own”. This means that each hub home carer can appoint another foster carer to be a deputy, who could eventually become a hub home carer themselves. This allowed Mockingbird to reach more children and carers over time. By the time I left Greenwich we managed to grow Mockingbird to four constellations that were very much connected and supportive of each other.
Fast forward a few more years and Hertfordshire North service gave me the opportunity to start planting the seeds of Mockingbird in the north part of the county, with two constellations.
At present, I am seeing the seeds of Mockingbird starting to bloom in Cambridgeshire.
Watching children flourish under Mockingbird
One of the most treasured memories I have from Mockingbird is when a group of three teenage girls chose to stop by the hub home carer's home to “hang out” and do their hair. Until that moment, these young girls would have chosen to stay outside rather than in the home with an adult. It was a beautiful reminder of the safe and welcoming environment we strive to create.
It was amazing how the hub home carer's home became a safe and welcoming space for those teenage girls. Seeing them choose to spend time inside, doing something as simple yet bonding as doing their hair, was incredibly rewarding. It really highlights the importance of creating environments where young people feel comfortable and supported.
Nurturing relationships with a family-based model
In my experience, Mockingbird plays a crucial role in nurturing relationships within the fostering community by creating a supportive network that mimics an extended family. This model helps foster carers, children, and young people feel more connected and supported, reducing feelings of isolation and stress.
The organised events and activities provide opportunities for foster carers and children to bond, share experiences, and build lasting relationships. The simple fact that foster carers can rely on each other for advice, emotional support, and practical help fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual respect.
One example is when a young mother and baby came to live with one of the foster carers in the constellation. This integration into the Mockingbird community provided the necessary support and resources, creating a nurturing environment for both the mother and child. It supported the young mother to care for her baby in a supportive, non-judgmental and non-threatening environment. Once the mother and baby returned home, they remained part of the Mockingbird family and the mother continues to receive the support and takes part in activities.
Supporting foster carers and creating families
Being part of the big Mockingbird family has been the highlight of my professional career. I have been privileged to see firsthand amazing carers and had the privilege of being part of children and cares lives and stories.
It addresses almost every challenge as it deals with the most fundamental structure of life: relationships. This model is about family and the feeling it gives us, that warmth in our hearts knowing that someone is there for you.
To be part of Mockingbird is to create a family, often the only family someone can have. I have seen how the model holds children and carers together and how family bonds are maintained.
