New initiative to support foster families in Cumbria

The Mockingbird scheme, led by The Fostering Network, is now being implemented by Cumbria Fostering.

This award-winning programme, which partners with 62 fostering services across the UK, is based on the idea of an extended family.

It creates a 'constellation' of six to 10 satellite fostering families, all supported by an experienced 'hub home' foster carer.

The first constellation in Cumberland was launched earlier this month at an event in Workington, while a second was launched in Westmorland and Furness at an event in Barrow.

The hub home carers of Cumberland's first constellation, Alex and Ian Nancollis, attended the launch at Workington’s Washington Central Hotel.

Mrs Nancollis said: "It has been really good to be able to come together and have this official launch today.

"Ian and I absolutely believe it takes a village to raise a child, and we are delighted that Cumbria Fostering has embraced the Mockingbird model."

The hub home carers not only provide support and guidance, but also organise activities such as coffee mornings, parties, sleepovers for the children, respite breaks for foster carers, and other social events.

The first hub home carers in Westmorland and Furness, Grace and Kelsey Williamson, were at the launch event in Barrow’s Holiday Inn.

Mrs Williamson said: "Becoming a foster carer can be challenging, but this new programme focuses on bringing foster carers together to support each other and the children in their care.

"I would just like to thank everyone who has agreed to be in the first constellation with us—we are really looking forward to the journey to come."

Mockingbird's additional support is said to improve placement stability for children in care, prioritise sibling connections, promote active child protection, support permanence, and improve the support provided to foster carers.

You can find out more about the Mockingbird programme and about fostering by visiting cumbriafostering.org.uk