The Oldham couple making a difference as Mockingbird Carers
Wendy and Paul, a couple from Oldham, have been fostering children for 13 years and are now leading a new initiative called Mockingbird fostering, which creates a supportive network for foster families. Their "constellation" includes eight families caring for 15 children, providing mutual support and community.
Oldham couple Wendy and Paul have transformed their 13-year fostering journey into a pioneering support network that now anchors fifteen children across eight local families.
The veteran carers, who once welcomed a Somali boy for a weekend only to have him stay seven months, are pioneering Oldham Council’s new Mockingbird constellation model. Their network links five foster families with three kinship carers caring for children aged one to seventeen, creating what Wendy calls “one big extended family.”
“I was born into a fostering family,” Wendy explains. “My mum fostered, my sister fostered, so I guess it was just in my DNA.” The couple began fostering after their own children grew older, taking in siblings aged six and eight who remain part of their lives. “P was just six when she came to us. Now she’s at university studying adult nursing,” Wendy says.
Paul emphasizes their adaptable approach: “We adapt to every child’s needs, and food always helps them settle in, whether it’s a meal, cake, or biscuits.” Their daughter P helps newcomers feel welcome, letting little ones brush her hair and sharing her own experiences.
The Mockingbird model addresses foster care isolation by creating informal support circles. “Fostering can be lonely sometimes,” Wendy admits. “You can’t always talk about the children you care for, so having other carers who understand is priceless.”
Councillor Shaid Mushtaq, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, praised the initiative: “It’s inspiring to see Wendy and Paul leading the way as Mockingbird carers. This support model is about creating a caring community that goes beyond traditional foster care.”
The couple, who balance fostering with Wendy’s 25-year childcare career at a local school club, host sleepovers, organize pickups and provide emotional support. “You’ve got to laugh, especially when you’ve got a house full of children!” Paul says.
Those interested in fostering can contact Oldham Council’s Greater Manchester fostering team at 0300 303 0321.
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