Seven foster families are heading into the festive season with a new family-style unit thanks to the introduction of the award-winning Mockingbird Programme in North Tyneside.
Many of us rely on family as a place for support, guidance, and comfort and for many children in care and their foster carers, the structure of a family is something they lack.
Introduced in September, North Tynesides first Mockingbird constellation has seen seven foster carers and the young people they support come together as an extended family support network. From trips to the park to evenings in together, the group have been busy building relationships and forming new memories.
By creating a wider network of support, it allows the foster carers to speak to others in similar circumstances for support and advice which the Council hopes will support the retention of foster carers in the borough.
The children and young people also get the opportunity to build new friendships with children who’re also experiencing life in care to help reduce isolation.
At the helm of the ‘constellation’ is an experienced foster carer with over 20 years of experience.
Pat’s position as the hub carer means she takes up a ‘grandparent’ style role where she shares her knowledge, experience, and care to everyone involved in the family unit. She offers short break and overnight care for the children in the constellation the same way a family member would, which can be a vital lifeline for foster carers.
Speaking of the success of the constellation so far, Pat said: “We’re two to three months into being a part of the Mockingbird constellation and even though it’s early days, it’s been really good so far.
“We have coffee mornings together, plan fun events and have already built great relationships between the foster carers involved and the children and teenagers in our care.
“I’ve worked in foster care for a long time now, and the best thing for me is to see the carers open up in a way they wouldn’t have before. We’ve all got each other now, I have carers just pop in for a coffee and a chat or sometimes they just ring me up, and we talk about any issues they have, and they talk about things they maybe wouldn’t have spoken to someone about.
“I always try to help, and they help each other too. Sometimes just having someone to speak to is all someone needs to feel better and that’s been a really great part of this.
“It’s great for the kids too, we have young children and teenagers and they’ve all got to know each other and they help each other too. They always say they’re looking forward to the next time we come together.
“It’s built a really strong supportive network very quickly and that shows that its working for us. We’ve got a trip to the pantomime booked and other fun events and this framework is something I can see working for lots of people involved in fostering.”
As the festive season gets into full flow, the constellation is looking forward to spreading the Christmas cheer amongst the group. Events include coffee mornings and a fun trip to the pantomime.
Cllr Steven Phillips, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning at North Tyneside Council, said: “Christmas is known as a time for family and as we enjoy the festive season it’s great to know that these foster carers and young people are a part of a unit that will bring security and comfort thanks to the launch of our first Mockingbird constellation.
“We’ve worked hard to match these families to ensure the relationships they build are long lasting and we hope that by introducing this constellation it will increase the stability of care arrangements for these young people and help our foster carers feel supported in their roles.”
Christmas is an exciting time for children and young people, and next Christmas you could be helping to make the festive season special for a young person in care.
North Tyneside Council is recruiting foster carers now. It has a range of flexible roles on offer including full time, short break and emergency care which can be adapted to a carers availability.
If you have the capacity to welcome a young person into your home and offer care, support and commitment, get in touch with North Tyneside’s Fostering Team on 0191 643 2540 or email fostering@northtyneside.gov.uk
