Kinship Care Week is a national campaign designed by Kinship (formerly Grandparents Plus). The week shines a spotlight on kinship care. It’s our chance to raise awareness of the incredible role kinship carers play in children’s lives and in society and to celebrate and share our stories of love, friendship and support, and to thank the people who have been there for you along the way - supporting you through the toughest times. We are supporting the national campaign and will be sharing local kinship carers journeys with you and highlighting what support is available in the South Tees area.
We know that kinship caring comes with its highs and lows, but this week is dedicated to celebrating the good times, and doing it together.
Want to shout about a local kinship carer or kin kid? You can do this via the newly dedicated Kinship Care Week website
The We Care You Care Project Lead, Kelly Baxter, has shared her shoutout on the site:
"Through my paid role as Project Lead for We Care You Care in the South Tees area I have had the privilege of meeting several kinship carers who have shared their emotional journeys with me in order to raise awareness and hopefully make other kinship carers feel less isolated in their experiences. Each kinship carer I have met has truly inspired me; the warmth and kindness they have all shown as well as a fundamental desire to support others whilst navigating their own challenging yet fulfilling journeys has blown me away. Kinship Carers are truly amazing. A big shout out to Frank and Liz, Jane, Angela, and John."
We have lots of information on our Kinship Carers page including what Kinship Care is frequently asked questions, removing the jargon from kinship care, useful contacts and signposting to support.
Kinship Active
What is Kinship Active?
Around 200,000 children in the UK are being raised by grandparents and other friends and family members in what’s known as ‘kinship care’ because their parents are unable to care for them. Kinship Active gives kinship families living in Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland the chance to get active as a family with, free and accessible activities for everyone to enjoy.
What’s involved?
Whether you’re fit as a fiddle or have activity goals in mind, there will be something to suit you and your family!
Families can:
- Attend free monthly themed activities in your local area.
- Join local Kinship Carer support groups for friendship and support with other carers
How do I get involved?
Get on board by contacting your local Kinship project worker:
Middlesbrough Call Jane on 07943 865601, or email jane.harmer@kinship.org.uk
Redcar & Cleveland Call Darren on 07496389, or email darren.mcglen@kinship.org.uk
You can also refer a kinship carer to the Kinship Active programme by completing a referral form.
Activities
Kinship Active are celebrating the week with online Bonkers Bingo on Tuesday 5 October 7:30- 9:30 pm which will be hosted by Karen Winspear. "Come on over and join us for a crazy fun night". Book your place by contacting Kinship Project Worker, Jane Harmer: Telephone 07943865601 or Email Jane.harmer@kinship.org.uk
