Third Mockingbird Support Network for Foster Families Launched in Cornwall

Cornwall has launched its third Mockingbird ‘constellation’, expanding support for foster families across the county.

The new constellation, based in the west, follows earlier launches in St Austell in November 2024 and east Cornwall in June 2025.

What Is a Constellation?

The Mockingbird model is an international fostering scheme designed around the concept of “it takes a village to raise a child.” Each constellation links local foster families to a ‘hub home’ at its centre, creating a community where families can connect, share support and interact regularly.

A launch event was held in St Newlyn East last month to mark the start of the west Cornwall constellation, which brings together six foster families and seven children in care.

The Need for Foster Carers

The launch comes at a time when the number of children in care nationally continues to rise, while applications to foster are falling in many areas. In Cornwall alone, up to 40 children or young people at any one time need a safe and supportive home.

Cornwall Council has said more foster carers are being attracted through improved training, support and practical help.

Voices from the Launch

Philip and Caroline, who will act as Hub Home Carers for the new constellation, said:

“My wife and I are proud to be selected to become the third home hub carers for the mockingbird project serving foster carers in Cornwall.
“We hope we can form a collaborative approach to help other carers within our constellation to offer holistic support for young people in care, so that they can thrive.”

Andrew Dunsmuir, Principal Social Worker for Fostering, added:

“It was really lovely to see the children and adults come together over the course of the day. There was a lovely sense of family and support from the outset.”

Early Successes

Evidence and feedback from the first two constellations show how families and children are benefitting. Children have been making friends, enjoying sleepovers at hub homes, taking part in activities and celebrating achievements together. Foster carers have also been meeting regularly, sharing resources and supporting each other with daycare.

Cllr Hilary Frank, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Schools at Cornwall Council, said:

“It’s brilliant news that we have just launched the third Mockingbird constellation in Cornwall, and so soon after the second one in June.
“I’m also delighted to hear the positive stories and feedback from the first two constellations. This means the model is working and we’re looking to create even more constellations over the coming months.
“Fostering is an amazing journey but it can also be tough and isolating, which is why Mockingbird is so effective. It creates an extended family where carers and children can help each other negotiate life’s ups and downs.”

How to Get Involved

For more information on Mockingbird in Cornwall, email Catherine Hattem at catherine.hattem@cornwall.gov.uk.

If you could offer a child, teenager or siblings a home, call the Fostering South West hub on 0300 456 0120 or visit Cornwall Council’s fostering pages.