Cornwall has officially launched its fourth Mockingbird ‘constellation’ for foster families.
Located in the East, it joins three similar support networks already up and running across our communities.
A launch event was held in the Liskeard area last month for the seven foster families and 16 children in care who make up the constellation.
Children enjoyed a bouncy castle, the nearby park, and craft activities. They also decorated their own cups in Mockingbird colours to be kept at the hub home for future visits.
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.
It comes as numbers of children in care nationally continue to rise, while foster care applications in most areas are falling. 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.
Tania and Rich, Hub Home Carers for Cornwall’s fourth constellation, said:
“We are delighted that we are officially stepping into the role of a Mockingbird Hub Home and are incredibly happy and proud to take on this privilege.
“Our focus will be on nurturing peer support, delivering planned sleepovers to ensure continuity of care, and creating meaningful community links for both carers and children.
“We can’t wait to work with our satellite carers to provide a warm and reliable network of support and celebrate the achievements of all the young people within our constellation.”
Cllr Hilary Frank, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Schools at Cornwall Council, said:
“It’s wonderful to welcome our fourth Mockingbird constellation in Cornwall, and I’m delighted to see the difference the model is making for our fostering families.
“Fostering can be incredibly rewarding, but there can also be difficult days. That’s why Mockingbird works so well. It creates the sense of an extended family, where carers and children share both the highs and the lows, knowing there is always someone to turn to.”
Two further constellations are planned for 2026 with the addition of two new liaison workers, who will form a dedicated Mockingbird team within the Council’s fostering service.
If you would like more information on how to get involved with Mockingbird in Cornwall please contact Catherine Hattem, Mockingbird Lead 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.