A pioneering support programme for foster carers has been launched in Bolton with a special event at the town hall.
Councillors and fostering families flocked to the Albert Halls on Friday to celebrate the launch of the first Mockingbird “family constellation” in Bolton.
Led by The Fostering Network in the UK, the Mockingbird model provides support to children in care through a network of connected foster homes.
The networks, known as “constellations”, act much like an extended family, with homes supporting each other with sleepovers and peer support.
The first constellation in Bolton is being led by Hub Home Carers Alison and Phil.
They will provide essential support and guidance alongside regular social activities and sleepovers to seven fostering households.
Alison said: “We have been carers for Bolton for over 20 years now and both agree that it's the most rewarding thing that we've ever done.
"When we heard that Bolton were looking for Hub Home Carers we saw this as a great opportunity and were more than happy to put our names forward for consideration.
"We've fostered many children of all ages over the years and have plenty of experience hosting sleepovers and social events, as well as understanding the occasional need for space and short breaks for carers.
"When all the families involved met for the first time, it felt like we had known each other for years.
“We are very much in it together as a constellation. Their wins are our wins and we are celebrating this together.”
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Martin Donaghy, said:
“We are proud of our collaboration with The Fostering Network and to have launched our first Mockingbird constellation in Bolton.
“Our foster carers play a vital role, and their experience and knowledge is incredibly valuable.
“Having this additional support network in place will benefit all of the foster carers and children involved, with the opportunities to build new friendships and share experiences on a wider scale.
“We feel this is just the start however and I look forward to welcoming more constellations into the Bolton fostering community in the future.”
The launch comes as the latest findings released in 2024 State of the Nation’s Foster Care report identified that additional support for foster carers and children in care was one of the top three things foster carers felt was needed to continue to perform their vital role.
Anyone interested in finding out more about the Mockingbird programme can email. mockingbird@bolton.gov.uk
More information about becoming a foster carer for Bolton Council is available at www.bolton.gov.uk/fostering or by calling 0300 303 0321.