The Mockingbird programme aims to create an extended family structure, bringing together small groups of six to ten foster carers and young people into ‘constellations
Ealing Council has launched an innovative initiative to strengthen support for foster carers and the children in their care.
The Mockingbird programme aims to create an extended family structure, bringing together small groups of six to ten foster carers and young people into ‘constellations.’ Each constellation is supported by a ‘hub home’ and a dedicated hub carer, providing practical and emotional support, with additional help from a liaison officer.
Nina Samuel, a foster carer for over 24 years, is one of the borough’s first hub carers, overseeing a constellation of seven foster families. She welcomed the initiative, saying: “I’m really excited about the Mockingbird programme because, after 24 years as a foster carer, this gives us the chance to truly connect, support one another, and create a real sense of community.”
The programme is designed to build relationships and resilience through regular social activities, short-break sleepovers, one-on-one mentoring, and training sessions. By fostering a close-knit network, Mockingbird helps create stronger, more stable support systems for both carers and young people.
This initiative is part of Ealing Council’s enhanced foster carer package, which now includes increased financial support, full council tax exemption, free borough-wide CPZ parking, garden waste collection, discounts on leisure activities, specialist training, and dedicated therapeutic support.
Councillor Josh Blacker, Cabinet Member for a Fairer Start, praised the programme, saying: “This is a really important step in strengthening the support available for both our foster carers and the children in their care. It takes a town to raise a child, but not all young people have that extended network around them. Through Mockingbird, we’re helping to provide that much-needed resilience and connection.”
With Mockingbird now taking flight in Ealing, foster families can look forward to a more connected, supported, and enriched experience.
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