Focus on Fostering Podcast
Our podcast series shines a light on fostering in Cumbria and each episode will explore the real experiences behind fostering — from the day-to-day realities to the lifelong impact carers make. Whether you're already a carer, thinking about fostering, or work in children’s services, this podcast offers honest conversations, expert insights, and stories that inspire.
Episode 1: Carers supporting carers: Mockingbird in Cumbria
In this episode we take a closer look at the Mockingbird model of foster care — a pioneering approach that launched in Cumbria last year.
Mockingbird creates a community of support by bringing together foster families into a ‘constellation’, led by a dedicated hub carer and supported by a liaison worker. It’s all about building stronger, more connected networks around children and carers — like an extended family.
Six months into our first Mockingbird constellation in the south of the county, we catch up with our hub carers, Kelsey and Grace, and their liaison worker, Jayne, to hear how things are going, what they’ve learned, and how this model is already making a difference.
Listen here
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