Foster carer community 'like an extended family'

Adam and Mandy Gibbons have provided 383 hours of support to foster families

A couple say their network of foster carers feels like "an extended family".

Six months ago, a special support programme for foster families was launched in South Gloucestershire.

The Mockingbird Family Model brings together foster families to form what is known as a constellation.

Specially-trained foster carers Adam and Mandy Gibbons became hub carers for the first South Gloucestershire group, and support eight families with 14 fostered children and young people.

The married couple have so far provided 383 hours of care to families in their constellation.

"We really are like an extended family," said Mrs Gibbons.

"We organise fun days out together, we help each other out, we even pick up each other's kids from school," she added.

The Mockingbird model- which originated in the US - offers specialist support to foster families by providing trained carers, advice and social activities.

People in the constellation meet monthly and arrange regular activities for both foster carers and the children they care for.

Hub carers receive comprehensive training, a dedicated social worker and an out-of-hours phone line.

"I'm always at the end of the phone if someone needs me, or if they have a question they don't necessarily want to bother their social worker with.

"Sometimes, just speaking to someone who understands is all it takes," Mrs Gibbons added.

'Vital support'

South Gloucestershire Council collaborated with The Fostering Network to help launch the scheme in April.

Lily Stevens, head of Mockingbird at The Fostering Network, said: "Since the programme began, we have seen the enormous difference it makes to foster carers, children, and young people.

"It helps to nurture relationships and provides vital support - building a resilient and caring community."

Councillor Maggie Tyrrell from South Gloucestershire Council, added: "It is a privilege to see the sense of community that has developed over the past six months between the fostering families involved and the way they support each other and the children."

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