From the Earth to the Pot

Rochester Square brings people and communities together through ceramic facilities and socially-engaging projects. Emphasising the fascinating system of recycling clay: where after firing at a low temperature, the cups and pots are still so fragile that you can smash them on the ground after use and turn them back into the soil, which can then be used again to create new ceramic objects. This idea guides their approach to the development of activities at Rochester Square: a creative cycle from the earth (clay) to plants (garden) to plates (food). Creating a space that can become a catalyst for people to meet each other through the powerful yet simple tools of making things together.

Mockingbird is one of a number of innovative programmes that The Fostering Network runs to improve foster care and outcomes for fostered young people.

The model nurtures the relationships between children, young people and foster families supporting them to build a resilient and caring community. Relationships are central to Mockingbird. The hub home carer builds strong relationships with everyone in the constellation, empowering families to support each other and overcome problems before they escalate or lead to placement breakdown, which increases protective factors around the children. As of November 2021, there are 84 Mockingbird constellations in England, Wales, and Scotland, Each is led by a hub home carer and liaison worker; the constellation offers vital peer support and guidance alongside social activities and sleepovers to strengthen relationships and permanence.