At Liverpool City Council, we truly value the incredible work of kinship carers and are proud of our ongoing partnership with Liverpool Kinship Carers.

Based in Norris Green, this dedicated charity provides vital resources, support and advocacy for kinship families. Kinship carers are relatives or friends who step in to care for children when their parents are unable to do so. Their unwavering commitment has made a lasting impact on countless lives, and this week, we've been celebrating with our kinship families. As part of Kinship Carers Week, they've enjoyed a variety of parties and events, culminating in a special afternoon tea.

Please read this amazing update from Pauline Thornley, the Project Co-ordinator of the Kinship Care Project:

I'm beyond excited to share some incredible news! Kinship Carers Week, which began right here in Liverpool, has now gone global!

What started as a local initiative to raise awareness and celebrate the often-overlooked role of kinship carers has been adopted by 15 other countries this year. Yes, 15 countries!

I was fortunate enough to attend a recent webinar featuring keynote speakers from Zimbabwe and Nepal, and hearing their stories was truly inspiring. It's amazing to see how the challenges and triumphs of kinship carers are so similar, no matter where they are based in the world.

When we first launched Kinship Carers Week in 2016, there was nothing like it. Our aim was to raise both local and national awareness of the vital work kinship carers do, looking after children who might otherwise enter the care system.

We wanted to spark conversations, particularly with local authorities, about how to better support these families. We never imagined the movement would grow into what it is today!

In those early days we ran some brilliant campaigns. Our promotional T-shirt made its way around the world, from Westminster to New Zealand, spreading the word about kinship care. We even launched a cake smash challenge, which went viral, with families, organisations and even MPs getting involved and sharing the fun on social media. It wasn't just a bit of fun, it got people talking and raising awareness of kinship carers.

The benefit of raising awareness is profound. This year, as we celebrate Kinship Carers Week globally, hundreds more kinship carers across the UK are being recognised and receiving the support they deserve. The increased visibility of their challenges and contributions helps ensure that these families are not only acknowledged, but are also provided with the resources and assistance they need to thrive.

Now, seeing other countries adopt what started here in Liverpool feels truly special. It's a testament to the power of community and collective voices. It's also a clear sign that kinship carers everywhere need and deserve recognition and support.

So, let's take a moment to celebrate this incredible achievement. What began in Liverpool has sparked a global movement. This is a tribute to the strength and determination of our kinship families, and it's something we should all be immensely proud of. Let's keep this momentum going and continue to raise our voices for kinship carers everywhere!

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.