Cornwall’s fourth Mockingbird network launches near Liskeard

A bouncy castle, a trip to the park and a table of decorated cups marked the start of something bigger for seven foster families in South East Cornwall last month.

What a Mockingbird constellation actually does

The families are Cornwall’s newest “constellation”, part of the international Mockingbird model for supporting foster carers. Each constellation is built around a hub home, a carer who acts as the anchor for a small group of “satellite” families nearby. The hub arranges regular get-togethers, planned sleepovers and a point of contact for carers on the harder days, so nobody in the network is managing alone.

This is the fourth constellation to launch in Cornwall, and the first based in the east of the county. Three others are already running elsewhere.

The launch day near Liskeard

The launch event was held in the Liskeard area, bringing together the seven foster families and the 16 children in care who now make up the group. The children took on the bouncy castle, made the most of the nearby park and sat down for craft activities, including decorating their own cups in Mockingbird colours to keep permanently at the hub home for future visits.

Tania and Rich are the hub home carers stepping into the role for Cornwall’s fourth constellation.

“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,” they said. “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.”

Why Cornwall is investing in the model

The launch comes as the number of children in care rises nationally while foster care applications fall in most areas. At any one time there are up to 40 children or young people in Cornwall who need a place to call home, and the council says it is trying to attract more carers by improving the training, support and practical help on offer.

Cllr Hilary Frank, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Schools at Cornwall Council, welcomed the new constellation.

“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,” Hilary said. “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.”

More constellations on the way

Two further constellations are planned for 2026, alongside the addition of two new liaison workers who will form a dedicated Mockingbird team within the council’s fostering service.

Anyone wanting to know more about getting involved with Mockingbird in Cornwall can contact Mockingbird Lead Catherine Hattem at [email protected].

And for anyone wondering whether they could offer a child, teenager or siblings a home, the council’s Fostering South West hub takes calls on 0300 456 0120, with more detail on the council’s fostering pages.

📷Credit: Cornwall Council