• New ‘Mockingbird’ Fostering pilot launched in Brixham, the first of its kind in Torbay – based on an ‘extended family’ model.
• Celebration event for Foster Carers held at Paignton Zoo as part of a series of ‘thank you’ events organised by Fostering South-West, the regional Fostering hub which unites fostering expertise across 15 councils, including Torbay.

Half term week was a busy one for Fostering in Torbay as a new pilot scheme to support foster carers - based on a globally award-winning programme - was officially launched in Brixham, while a celebration event for fostering families was also held at Paignton Zoo.

More than 1,500 people attended special gatherings at Paignton Zoo, Newquay Zoo, Monkey World, Bristol Zoo Project and Cotswold Wildlife Park on Wednesday,19 February 19, organised by Fostering South-West, the regional fostering hub. They were also joined by Mood Bears, an official partner of Fostering South-West.

Then on Thursday 20 February, Torbay Council launched the first new Mockingbird Family Model, at Churston Golf Club in Dartmouth Road, Galmpton, with foster carers and children involved with the local scheme and representatives from Torbay Council and other partners.

About Mockingbird

Mockingbird is a global award winning and pioneering programme which involves six to ten foster carers becoming part of a group with other foster carers, who are part of a wider constellation of satellite foster homes. The ‘satellite’ homes in turn get support from a central hub home, which provides advice and support to all the satellite homes.

In addition, the fostering service then provides a worker to take on a liaison role for both the hub and satellite homes. The model fits with Torbay Council’s approach of putting families at the centre of finding solutions and solving problems using restorative approaches. Mockingbird is based around the support and relationships that an extended family provides.

About the Fostering event at Paignton Zoo

Foster families were able to enjoy a relaxed and fun-filled day out and had a great time spotting exotic animals at local zoos and spending time with each other getting to share experiences.

As well as being the first time a co-ordinated day of activities was held in the South West to celebrate the invaluable contribution foster carers make, it also gave them the opportunity to connect, make friends and have fun together, strengthening local support networks.

Councillor Nick Bye, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services for Torbay Council said: “We are very excited to be able to launch our first Mockingbird for Torbay, in partnership with The Fostering Network.

“This model is already up and running in several other local authorities in the UK. Evidence shows that it increases support provided to foster carers, and this improves fostering placement stability for children / young people.

“It’s a great initiative and shows Torbay as an excellent place to be a foster carer. I would also like to thank Councillors Cordelia Law and Anna Tolchard who attended the launch, and all our Children’s Services staff who were involved and of course to the foster carers and children.”

“We are also very grateful to both Fostering South-West and Paignton Zoo for hosting local foster carers at the celebration event, and our continued thanks go to Paignton Zoo for being one of our official Corporate Fostering Partners, providing support such as free zoo passes to our Fostering families.”

Steph Dawson Business Development Manager for Wild Planet Trust, parent charity for Paignton and Newquay zoo shared "We were delighted to host the celebration day for Fostering South West, in collaboration with TOMY's Mood Bears. As a place where families can create lasting memories, we're honoured that both Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo were chosen for this meaningful day. A huge thanks goes to the Mood Bears team, especially for pairing Sayang with the Hope Bear. We welcome all community groups to make our unique natural setting their special gathering place."

Find out more about Fostering

If you are thinking of becoming a foster carer and want to find out more you can contact Torbay Council’s Fostering service on 01803 207845, email fostering@torbay.gov.uk or visit our Fostering webpages.

Visit the Fostering South West website to find out more about the regional fostering hub.

Find out more about the Mood Bears partnership with Fostering South West and local councils in the region.

Find out more about The Fostering Network.