The third Mockingbird ‘constellation’ for foster families has been launched in Cornwall.
Located in the west, it follows similar support networks already set up in the St Austell area in November 2024 and east Cornwall in June 2025.
A launch event was held in St Newlyn East last month for the six foster families and seven children in care who make up the constellation.
Part of the international Mockingbird model, each constellation links up local foster families with a ‘hub home’ at its centre.
The idea is to create a local community of foster families who support and interact with each other on a regular basis, led by the hub carers.
The launch comes as numbers of children in care nationally continue to rise, while foster care applications in most areas are dwindling. At any one time there are up to 40 children or young people in Cornwall who need a place to call home.
In Cornwall, we are attracting more foster carers by improving the training, support and practical help that foster carers receive.
Speaking at the launch event, Philip and Caroline, Hub Home Carers for Cornwall’s third constellation, said:
“My wife and I are proud to be selected to become the third home hub carers for the mockingbird project serving foster carers in Cornwall.
“We hope we can form a collaborative approach to help other carers within our constellation to offer holistic support for young people in care, so that they can thrive.”
Andrew Dunsmuir, Principal Social Worker for Fostering, said:
“It was really lovely to see the children and adults come together over the course of the day. There was a lovely sense of family and support from the outset.”
Evidence and feedback from the established constellations show carers and children benefiting from the extended support on offer and being part of the family model.
Children have been forming friendships and holding sleepovers at the hub home carers, accessing activities together and celebrating each other’s achievements.
The foster carers have also enjoyed regular meet-ups, helping each other with daycare when needed and sharing resources.
Cllr Hilary Frank, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Schools at Cornwall Council, said:
“It’s brilliant news that we have just launched the third Mockingbird constellation in Cornwall, and so soon after the second one in June.
“I’m also delighted to hear the positive stories and feedback from the first two constellations. This means the model is working and we’re looking to create even more constellations over the coming months.
“Fostering is an amazing journey but it can also be tough and isolating, which is why Mockingbird is so effective. It creates an extended family where carers and children can help each other negotiate life’s ups and downs.”
If you would like more information on how to get involved with Mockingbird in Cornwall please email Catherine Hattem, Liaison Worker, at catherine.hattem@cornwall.gov.uk
If you could offer a child, teenager or siblings a home, call the Fostering South West hub on 0300 456 0120 or to find out more visit the fostering pages on the council's website.