Whether you’re a grandparent, family member or friend, taking on care of a child is always complicated, and it’s likely that you’ll need independent advice at some stage of the process. The first thing to remember is that you’re not alone, there’s support out there for people in your situation, and opportunities to meet other people going through the same thing.
Contact our advice service
Our specialist advice service provides support to all kinship carers, wherever you are in your journey. It’s independent, confidential, and non-judgemental, and our professional advisers can talk you through all elements of your situation, including giving advice on available benefits, allowances and how to navigate children’s services. They can also signpost you to other organisations that might be able to help you, and apply for grants on your behalf.
Contact us on 0300 123 7015 Monday to Friday 9.30am – 3.30pm or at advice@kinship.org.uk.
Speak to a Someone Like Me volunteer
Someone Like Me volunteers support our advisers through the delivery of a telephone peer support service. They understand what you are going through and will offer a listening ear, providing much needed emotional support. Read our Someone Like Me FAQs.
If you would like to talk to a Someone Like Me volunteer please complete this form.
Join our community
Sign up to our kinship community to find out about events in your area, keep up to date with what’s going on in the world of kinship care and help us campaign for a fairer deal for grandparents, family members and friends raising children. You’ll also find out about ways you can get involved with Grandparents Plus.
Find a support group
There are a number of support groups across the country. Find your nearest group.