The Oldham couple making a difference as Mockingbird Carers

Wendy and Paul have spent the last 13 years fostering for Oldham Council, but their story is anything but ordinary.

From caring for up to five siblings, from looking after babies to helping a young boy from Somalia who came for the weekend and ended up staying for seven months, they’ve done it all, with plenty of laughs and love along the way.

Wendy and Paul are now taking on an exciting new role as Mockingbird carers, helping foster families build stronger support networks.

For Wendy, fostering is a family tradition.

“I was born into a fostering family,” she explains.

“My mum fostered, my sister fostered, so I guess it was just in my DNA.”

But it wasn’t until their own children became older that she and Paul decided to open their home to children in need.

Since then, they’ve fostered many children, including two siblings who came to them aged six and eight.

“P was just six when she came to us,” Wendy says.

“Now she’s at university studying adult nursing and remains on a staying put arrangement, and her brother is living independently with his girlfriend, but they still come home to see us.”

“For us, fostering is about watching children grow in confidence,” says Wendy.

Paul added: “We adapt to every child’s needs, and food always helps them settle in, whether it’s a meal, cake, or biscuits.”

P, who remains part of their family, also plays an active role in helping new children settle in.

“She’s fantastic at helping them feel at home, whether it’s letting the little ones brush her hair or just talking to them. She’s been there herself, so she knows how to make them feel safe,” Wendy and Paul share proudly.

With over 25 years of experience in childcare, Wendy has balanced fostering with her work at a before and after school club, where Paul helps out occasionally.

“She’s the boss now,” Paul jokes.

“But we love working together, and the school has been brilliant.

"They’ve even given us space to use for our new role as Mockingbird carers.”

What is Mockingbird fostering? 

Wendy and Paul are now leading a new initiative at Oldham Council that brings foster families together to form a supportive network, like one big extended family.

Their "constellation" includes eight families, five foster families, and three kinship carers (family members or friends who step in when parents can’t).

Together, they care for 15 children aged from one to 17.

“We all help each other out,” Wendy explains.

“We host sleepovers for the children, help to pick them up from school, organise meet ups, and provide support to other carers.

"It’s a game changer it gives carers some much needed time to recharge or spend with their own birth children.

"We can offer that extra layer of help that sometimes a social worker can’t always provide.”

Councillor Shaid Mushtaq, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People: expressed his support for the initiative, saying: “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.

"By helping families connect and support each other, we’re ensuring that every child in our community has the chance to thrive.”

The Mockingbird model allows foster carers to lean on each other, whether it’s for advice or just a friendly chat when times get tough.

“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.”

But it’s not all serious business.

Wendy and Paul are known for their sense of humour, and they both agree it’s a key ingredient in being a successful foster carer.

“You’ve got to laugh, especially when you’ve got a house full of children!” Paul says with a smile.

When they’re not running sleepovers or planning the next big event, Wendy and Paul are busy supporting the children in their constellation, making sure they feel like part of a big, loving family.

“If you’re thinking of fostering, just go for it,” Wendy and Paul encourage.

“Yes, there are challenges, but what job doesn’t come with its own challenges?

"And the rewards, watching these children grow and thrive, there’s nothing else like it.”

For Wendy and Paul, fostering has been a life changing experience, and now, as Mockingbird carers, they’re helping to change the lives of other foster families too.

If you’re interested in fostering or want to learn more about the Mockingbird model, contact Oldham Council’s Greater Manchester’s fostering team by calling 0300 303 0321.

Oldham Fostering Service is now part of Foster for Greater Manchester, which brings together all ten local councils in the area to recruit more foster carers.

To ask about becoming a foster carer with Oldham Council, please fill out this form and remember to mention Oldham.

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