Kinship care begins in crisis. A child whose parents are unable to care for them, for whatever reason. It’s frightening, confusing and heart-breaking.
Instinctively, a loved one steps in – a grandparent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle or family friend. They are now a kinship carer, bringing up the children they love. There’s no chance to prepare. Plans are pushed aside. Relationships, jobs and savings are sacrificed.
It’s life-changing and challenging raising children who’ve been hurt or neglected, but kinship carers do it anyway because they put the children first.
We know how hard life can be for kinship carers. But we’ve seen the amazing things they’re capable of with someone by their side. With the right support, children raised in kinship families flourish. That’s why we support, connect and campaign. To keep kinship families stronger by keeping them together.
What we do
We use our experience, expertise and strength to change lives. We support kinship carers in their homes and communities, giving advice and helping them work through problems to find the best way forward.We connect carers together in our national community and network of local support groups, so they don’t have to face the fight alone. We will not rest until every kinship family has the recognition, value and support they need and deserve.
Information and Advice
Kinship Community - Are you a kinship carer – someone who is raising a relative or friend’s child? If you subscribe to our community, we’ll keep you up-to-date on news and stories about kinship care and what we are doing to ensure that every kinship family is recognised, valued and supported.
Kinship Compass - From joining a kinship peer support group, to talking to another kinship carer online or over the phone, there are people just like you waiting to share experiences. And remind you that you’re not alone. This is a safe space to build long lasting friendships, share experiences and get emotional support. Kinship carers are stronger together.
Podcast - featuring real-life stories, experiences and advice from kinship carers.
We are here for all kinship carers – the grandparents and siblings, the aunts, uncles, and family friends who step up to raise children when their parents are not able to.
Online support and information
This support is free
Are you a kinship carer – someone who is raising a relative or friend’s child? You can join our Kinship Community. Subscribe using the form on our website and we’ll keep you up-to-date on news and stories about kinship care and what we are doing to ensure that every kinship family is recognised, valued and supported.
You can get involved as much or as little as you like – there are opportunities for volunteering, sharing your experiences in our surveys, and campaigning for a fairer deal for kinship families.
General Enquiries
Phone: 03300 167 235
Email: info@kinship.org.uk
Advice Line
Please see our website for updated information about our Advice Line opening times.
Phone: 0300 123 7015
Email: advice@kinship.org.uk
For more information about Kinship search Kinship in this directory.
Visit the Kinship Facebook page
