Website August 2011 Relaunch

KINSHIP CARERS SUPPORT GROUP

G randparent, Sibling and Kinship Care is on the up; the numbers of children living in these circumstances is increasing.

There are an estimated 200,000 – 300,000 children living with relatives or friends (commonly known as ‘kinship carers’) because their biological parents cannot raise them, some of the reasons are bereavement, prison, neglect & substance abuse.

The lack of information and support is why we have set up the Kinship Carer Support Group. We realised there is a distinct lack of support for carers such as ourselves, often carers just need a sounding off board, they need somewhere they can discuss their own situations, talking about the highs and lows and day to day trials and tribulations we all go through.

Many of us have discovered over the years that when you are a carer that nobody else understands, everyone thinks they understand what you are going through but its only when you have spoken to other kinship carers that you feel truly comfortable and often open up in front of complete strangers.

OUR AIM AS A GROUP

We welcome ALL sibling, kinship & grandparent carers with open arms. We cannot offer legal advice as we are not legally trained, but we can offer our knowledge and experience in some areas, point you in the right direction, including the Family Rights Group’s advice line which has the expertise to deal with situations you might come up against.

One of our key members is an ex-social worker who is now an advocate for kinship carers. She has provided invaluable support & advice to this group since its foundation.

We can offer a supportive ear, tolerance and understanding. We are here to help!