By Daniel, a young refugee supported by the British Red Cross in Kent.

Kelly exceeded her own beliefs when she left care and was accepted to study Sociology at the University of Sunderland. Since then, she’s gone on to do a master’s degree in Global Human Resource Management at Newcastle University and is now working at the Care Leaver Covenant, supporting care experienced students in further education.

This year marks five years of The Fostering Network’s Mockingbird programme in the UK. To celebrate this milestone we’re speaking to foster carers, young people and staff in services who joined the programme back in 2015 to hear about their experiences and how it feels to be part of a Mockingbird community.

What does a media professional, who is a saxophonist and advocate for care experienced young people have in common with a PhD student, who graduated in experimental psychology and worked as a physics teacher?… A podcast. Sophia and Eva have recently launched Who cares about Research? – a podcast that makes social research more accessible. We have asked them why this is needed and what can be expected.

The Fostering Network has been working in Scotland to raise awareness of children’s relationships with those who are important to them, including their former foster families and influence new legislation.

Foster carers are in a unique financial situation. When trying to secure a mortgage, this can often lead to their income being questioned and result in difficulties. The Mortgage Brain, however, has addressed this issue and thanks to the in-depth fostering knowledge of their specialist advisers, they have helped hundreds of foster carers with their mortgage over the years. Read here about their service and why the team is so keen to help foster carers finance their dream home.

Every Mockingbird constellation is different, but the first task for the hub home carer and liaison worker is to begin building links and relationships in their constellation.  This has become more challenging under lockdown restrictions, but Portsmouth found a way to spark enthusiasm.

Last month Gavin Williamson, secretary of state for education, announced an independent review of children’s social care in England. We welcome this review and over the coming months coIleagues from The Fostering Network will explore key issues that the review must consider. First up is our chief executive Kevin Williams.