Fostering North Somerset Strengthens Support for Foster Families

Fostering North Somerset, part of North Somerset Council, is proud to announce the launch of its fourth Mockingbird constellation, a pioneering initiative developed by The Fostering Network.

The scheme brings together groups of foster families and children to create an extended family model of support, mirroring the warmth and connection of a wider family network.

The formal launch event for the new constellation will take place on March 14th, bringing together everyone involved, as well as senior leaders and members of North Somerset’s fostering service.

The celebration will mark the beginning of a new chapter for Fostering North Somerset as they continue to grow and strengthen their support offer for carers. 

This new constellation, named Sinsonte (the Spanish word for “mockingbird”), will include the Hub Carers Jane and Simon Macdonald and up to nine additional fostering households comprising of experienced and newly approved foster carers.

Together, these families will form a close-knit community offering mutual support, guidance and friendship.

Cllr Catherine Gibbons, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Families and Lifelong Learning at North Somerset Council said:

“As part of the new constellation, carers will attend regular coffee‑morning support groups and take part in shared social activities for the whole network, including the foster carers, children in care and the children of foster carers within the constellation.

These gatherings will help build a strong sense of belonging, strengthen bonds within the group and create lasting memories.

“We see every day - through the brilliant work of our existing hubs - that the benefits of the Mockingbird model are far‑reaching. Foster carers can draw on a strong peer‑to‑peer support system, helping one another with advice, sleepovers or practical support when needed. For children in care, the constellation offers opportunities to develop meaningful relationships with peers who understand their experiences and with trusted adults who can provide the important extended family roles that may otherwise be missing.”

To heighten the impact of the constellation, Fostering North Somerset will also be matching children in residential care with each Mockingbird hub.

The aim is to build bridges between residential and family settings, helping young people to develop relationships within family‑like networks and, where appropriate, supporting smoother transitions into foster care.

The fostering service already has plans to launch its fifth constellation later this year, reflecting its ongoing commitment to providing innovative, nurturing and sustainable support for foster families and children in care across North Somerset. 

If you would like to find out more about joining our fostering community, please do not hesitate to get in touch via our website.