Bolton Leads the Way in Supporting Foster Families with the Mockingbird Programme
Foster carers in Bolton are set to receive stronger support than ever before thanks to the launch of the Mockingbird Programme—a pioneering initiative that provides foster families with a network of care and stability.
Bolton Council has joined forces with The Fostering Network to introduce the first Mockingbird ‘constellation’, a model that mirrors the support of an extended family. This approach ensures that foster families have a dedicated Hub Home Carer who offers guidance, peer support, and practical help—including sleepovers and social activities—to make fostering more sustainable and rewarding for everyone involved.
Stronger Networks, Better Outcomes
Foster carers play a vital role in giving children a safe, stable home, often stepping in at some of the most challenging moments in a young person’s life. But fostering can be demanding, and carers often face these challenges alone. The Mockingbird Programme changes that by creating a close-knit support system, allowing carers to:
✅ Access advice and emotional support from experienced carers
✅ Share short breaks through planned sleepovers to give both children and carers some breathing space
✅ Build friendships and connections with other foster families
✅ Provide a more stable environment for children, reducing placement breakdowns
This innovative model is already proving successful in councils across the UK, and now Bolton is leading the way in delivering better support for foster families.
“Fostering is the Most Rewarding Thing We’ve Ever Done”
Alison and Phil, Bolton’s first Hub Home Carers, have been fostering for over 20 years and have already seen the benefits of this new model:
“We’ve fostered many children of all ages over the years and understand the need for space, support, and short breaks. When we all met for the first time, it felt like we had known each other for years. We are very much in this together—when one family succeeds, we all do.”
By building these networks of trust and support, the Mockingbird Programme is making a real difference to both carers and the children they look after.
A Labour Commitment to Supporting Families
Labour-led Bolton Council is proud to be launching this initiative, ensuring that foster carers and children have the support they need to thrive.
Cllr Martin Donaghy, Executive Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said:
“We are proud to be part of this fantastic programme, which will bring real benefits to foster carers and children in Bolton. The additional support network will help families build new friendships, share experiences, and strengthen the fostering community in our borough.”
This is just the beginning, and Bolton Labour is committed to expanding the programme to bring even more foster families into the network in the future.
If you’re interested in fostering in Bolton or want to learn more about the Mockingbird Programme, visit:
🔗 Bolton Council’s Fostering Website
Together, we are delivering change for children and families in Bolton.
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