Council launches ‘Community of Families’ scheme to support foster families in Oldham

Oldham Council is excited to introduce the Mockingbird programme, a new way to help children in foster care and their families.

This national programme, led by The Fostering Network and now adopted by Oldham Council, was officially launched at the Cockfields Farm.

The Mockingbird Family Model is about bringing foster families together to support each other. It creates a community of families, with one family at the centre offering help and advice to others around them and extending people’s support networks.

Councillor Shaid Mushtaq, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, shared his excitement: "It's wonderful to see foster families helping one another. This programme is about more than just practical support; it's building a caring community beyond the usual foster care setup. The Mockingbird initiative is making a positive impact and reflects our commitment to ensuring the wellbeing of every child in our community."

Specially trained foster carers Jane and Robert Dyke are now the central hub for the first Oldham group, supporting eight families with 18 fostered children.

The carers, Jane and Robert, said: "The new Mockingbird programme will really help to benefit the families we support. The more positive relationships foster children have, the better their life choices.

"For children in foster care, it’s about making it more normal and the more support foster carers have, the better the chances for the children to succeed and to help keep siblings together. It’s a win-win all round.

“We are always at the end of the phone if someone needs us, 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.”

The Mockingbird scheme offers exceptional support to foster families, including trained carers, advice, and social activities. Everyone who participates receives training and can get help anytime.

Catherine Tyrie, Advanced Practitioner and Lead on Mockingbird at Oldham Council said: "We're all thrilled to be a part of this programme because it's going to make a huge difference to foster carers, children, and young people. The programme will support and strengthen relationships, creating a strong and caring community."

The Mockingbird programme promises to change how foster care works, ensuring families feel supported and connected. It was named the winner of a national charity award after delivering a compassionate, sustainable, new way of providing foster care.

*Info: If you're considering fostering, call 0161 770 6600 or visit www.oldham.gov.uk/fostering for more details.

Also Read: Same-sex couple break stereotypes by celebrating 11 years of fostering

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