support
mockingbird
We’re excited to share that Flintshire is home to the first and only Mockingbird constellation in Wales! Since we started in 2020, we’ve built a loving community with over 50 amazing foster carers across three hubs. We also recently celebrated our 5-year anniversary in February 2025!
what is mockingbird?
Mockingbird is a global award winning and pioneering programme led by The Fostering Network in the UK.
Mockingbird is all about creating that warm, family feel and the support system you’d find in a close-knit group of friends and family. It’s designed to help children, young people, and foster families build strong, caring relationships within a community of six to ten homes, referred to as a ‘constellation.’
Our dedicated Mockingbird foster carers, known as ‘satellite carers,’ work alongside three central homes, called ‘hub carers’.
These hub carers are here to provide all sorts of support – think sleepovers for some extra fun, daytime help, emergency assistance, and a friendly ear whenever it’s needed.
-Diagram from The Fostering Network
supporting family contact
Our hubs also make it easy to arrange family visits, both for the siblings within Mockingbird and for connections with parents and family members outside. Once you’re part of Mockingbird, you’re always part of the family! Our care leavers and young people can always return to visit their friends, carers, and sometimes even their siblings whenever they want. The support from their hub is a constant, just like the love of family and friends.
training and development
Our foster carers receive fantastic training right from the start! They learn practical skills in nurturing and attachment, get insights from Skills to Foster, and enjoy wellbeing training that even includes fun coaching in breathwork. Plus, they get to attend national Mockingbird forums and events to share and learn even more!
fun and engaging
Beyond training, our hub carers love to organise exciting group activities! From trips to local attractions and sporting events to nature walks and fun parties, including The Fostering Network’s Roost Day, there’s always something happening that suits both children and adults. These fun occasions are perfect for building friendships, support systems, and learning opportunities—all while having a great time together!
stable and sustainable
At Flintshire, we believe Mockingbird is more than just fostering; it’s all about belonging. Children here nurture lasting friendships, develop special bonds with their carers, and create that wonderful sense of stability we all cherish in our extended families and friendships. Mockingbird is here to help looked after children reimagine family life, giving them a brighter and more successful future.
meet the hub carers
Our 3 Hub Carers in Flintshire. The families in each hub chose new names for their constellation
Calon Hapus
The A Team
The Robins
“i had a sleep over for two nights, i did some painting, went for dog walkies, watched a movie, and ate some brownies. i can ask my carer for help. i have made two friends. we had fun at Loggerheads, and we enjoyed a picnic and an ice cream.”
