My name is Justine, and I am a Mockingbird hub carer. This is a new role for me, although I’ve previously been a foster carer for five years. My husband and I have four children, and when we began fostering, we were both working full-time.
We stumbled into fostering by accident after helping a friend who was a foster carer and struggling. I’ve worked in childcare for 30 years and had lots of advice and experience to share. I offered her some respite care, and it made a real difference. Soon after, I spoke to a social worker who gave me information about others I might be able to support in a similar way. My husband and I looked into the foster care course and decided to give it a try to see if it was right for us.
The course was incredibly thought-provoking and opened my eyes to many scenarios I had encountered before. It was fascinating to learn new skills. We entered fostering as a family, and our four grown-up children have been very supportive—both to us and to the children we care for.
During this time, I was working full-time in a nursery, and we initially provided weekend respite care. I really enjoyed it, but over the years, I began to long to do more. I’ve recently retired from teaching, and now, professionally, I’m a Mockingbird hub carer.
For those unfamiliar, the Mockingbird model began over 20 years ago in the U.S. and is now thriving worldwide, including across the UK. Its aim is to create an extended family for up to 10 foster families. The group remains consistent and provides support to both carers and children. This includes monthly activities, coffee mornings, support groups, joint training—and most importantly, building friendships and having fun. The benefits have been incredible, and the families involved are truly thriving. The model is evidence-based, and we report outcomes monthly, with many great stories to share.
Personally, I feel amazing in this new role. I have the flexibility of being my own boss, while still receiving support from 妖精动漫, my Mockingbird support team, and fellow hub carers. It couldn’t suit me or my lifestyle better. Professionally, I feel seen and heard. I feel appreciated. The families I support have grown in confidence, and it’s wonderful to see them thrive.
Each carer in my hub, up to 10 families, has a unique story and different reasons for fostering. As a result, they need different types of support: emotional, practical, or day-to-day. But we’re all here for each other, and it’s beautiful to see the bonds forming, not just among carers, but among the children too. It truly feels like an extended family. The consistency and familiar faces make a huge difference in the lives of these children.
Mockingbird has changed my life, too. Although I loved my teaching career, it’s a relief not to be tied to a 9-to-5 schedule. I love the flexibility, and it fits perfectly around my family. As I move into midlife, I’m more aware of my own well-being. Some days are busy, others are quieter—but the role adapts to your lifestyle while still allowing you to make a meaningful difference.
The benefits are hard to describe—it’s a feeling. It’s the goosebumps you get when you see the small things you’ve done change a child’s day. Watching their confidence grow, seeing them join clubs they once avoided, feeling part of a family, or moving on to college or university—all because of the stability you’ve helped provide. It’s a deeply meaningful and rewarding role.
Honestly, it doesn’t feel like work when you love what you do.
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