Meet Nicola and Steve- a couple who have fostered with Barnsley for 11 years. We caught up with Nicola and Steve to find out what it's like to be part of the Mockingbird constellation of foster carers at Fostering Barnsley. Here's how they describe it in their own words:
“I loved the concept, but the timing wasn’t quite right for us. However, when the time was right in 2022, we were able to launch our own constellation and we love it!
"We have 10 foster families and 18 children, including the baby we foster. Every six weeks the whole constellation gets together, like a big family. We hold all sorts of events, like activity days and getting together for food. It’s not just confined to formally arranged events – there’s a busy chat group, so families are able to meet up whenever they like.
"We’ve recently booked seven static caravans for a constellation weekend away!”
“What fostering does for your own children is massive. Our children are really appreciative of everything they’ve got and are nurturing and loving. They love to get involved with the babies in our care and make them part of the family. We all put the work in to create that sibling bond – just like when a biological brother or sister comes along.”
“They help out with feeding and changing so it’s given them some great life skills – in fact, all of our older kids now work with children, including teaching and supporting children in care.”
Our mockingbird constellations create magical connections between our fostering families. The mockingbird constellations are designed to improve placement stability for children, they also enable our foster carers to help and support each other.
Interested in becoming a mockingbird foster carer? We’d love to talk to you! Book a call back with our fostering team at a time to suit you.
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