Meet Pete, Mockingbird Home Hub Carer in North Devon

Lynn and I have been fostering for over ten years and have really enjoyed the experience along the way.

In that time we have fostered two teenage girls and one is still with us under the staying put scheme. We all live in North Devon along with two of our four sons and Henry the black Labrador. Three years ago we were invited to apply for the role of Hub Home Carer in the North, and excitingly got the job and so our new adventure started.

We went from one foster child to eighteen children and nine families and it’s brilliant we have never looked back. It’s great to have such a big extended family come and visit the Hub and to do activities with them such as beach days, where Lynn and I cook hot dogs for the group while the children play, make friends and the carers catch up with each other.

In our spare time we run our charity called Laughter which offers exciting experiences for disabled adults as well as a large ability football club based in Barnstaple. I enjoy fishing, boating on the sea and spending as much time on the beach and rock pools as possible. Private time with Lynn and the family is super important too me. Lynn loves supporting our charity Laughter with weekly events, Mockingbird and family time.

What is the impact of Mockingbird for Fostering Devon?

The aim of the Mockingbird Family Model are to improve placement stability for children who are looked after, prioritise sibling connections, promote active child protection, support permanence and improve the support provided to foster carers. Mockingbird in Devon embodies a nurturing, inclusive constellation of fostering families that reflects the warmth, trust, and connection of an extended family.

The model is evidence-based, has been formally evaluated and shows improved outcomes for children, young people and foster carers. We build stable, sustainable communities where children and young people experience belonging, safety, and the support of multiple trusted adults.as well as:

Providing stable, immediate support (e.g., emergency care).

Ensuring carers feel valued and supported.

Children are able to move comfortably between adults in the hub — similar to extended family.

Helping normalise childhood experiences and reducing feelings of isolation.

Mockingbird supports whole fostering families, not just care experienced children and young people.

Through Ben and Ciara’s constellation children are able to build trust and feel safe with multiple adults who are part of their mockingbird network. Creating strong peer relationships with other children and young people has helped remove stigma for children in care. Additionally, birth children also benefit and form their own support networks.

You can find out more about the Mockingbird programme on the Fostering Network website.