Kinship Compass

Information, services and support near Torbay Council

On this page

Select a link below to take you to the section you'd like to read:

  1. Support groups near you
  2. Workshops and events near you
  3. Support from your local authority
  4. Kinship local offer
  5. Your virtual school information
  6. Your nearest free legal clinic
  7. Foodbanks near you
  8. Adoption and special guardianship support fund

We try and keep these resources up to date, if you spot something which needs updating do let us know.

  • 390In Torbay, it is estimated that there are 390* kinship carers. You are not alone, and these services are there to support you.

    * Office for National Statistics - 2021 Census

Support groups near you (3)

Whether it’s a shared cup of tea, or a shoulder to cry on, support groups create an invaluable space to connect, learn and share with others in a similar situation.

There are over 150 support groups in England, below is your nearest in-person group. We also offer online peer support groups, find out more about these on our support group page. If there isn’t a group near you, and you’d like to set one up, find out how we can support you.

Exeter Kinship Carers Group

South West England
In person

This group is led by Kinship staff and open to all kinship carers over 18 in Exeter and the surrounding area. Our group provides a friendly, supportive place to chat with other kinship carers over a cuppa.

View Exeter Kinship Carers Group

Plymouth Kinship Carers Group

South West England
In person

This group is led by kinship carers and supported by Kinship staff. The group is open to all kinship carers and special guardians over 18 in Plymouth and the surrounding area. Our group provides a friendly and supportive place to come together over a cuppa with other kinship carers.

View Plymouth Kinship Carers Group

View other support groups near you

View all support groups

Workshops and events near you

Unfortunately, there are no in-person events near you at the moment. However, we have online workshops on a range of topics, from an introduction to kinship care to managing contact.

We add events throughout the year, check our events regularly for updates or join our community to keep up to date.

View all workshops and events

Support from your local authority

Your local authority children's services may work with you and your family depending on the type of kinship care arrangement you have. We've shared some of the key details of support available in Torbay Council, which you may need as you navigate your journey.

SGO Support Team

You can find more about the support available for children, young people and families on the Torbay Council website.

If this information is incorrect, please contact us.

Your kinship local offer

Each local authority must publish a kinship local offer detailing the support available to kinship families in that area. It should also cover their approach to meeting the needs of children in kinship care arrangements. This used to be called a family and friends care policy. Not all local authorities have published their local offer yet, so some may still refer to a family and friends care policy.

We couldn't find a kinship local offer for Torbay Council. Please email our campaigns team for support encouraging your council to develop their local offer with kinship carers.

Your virtual school

Each local authority has a virtual school. The role of the virtual school is to give information to parents and schools about the needs and educational progress of children who are looked after, previously looked or who have a social worker. The service ensures these children are given the best education and have the best educational outcomes.

They can provide advice to individual kinship carers of children who are subject to special guardianship orders or child arrangement orders, and schools where they have a query and permission has been given.

Find out more about how virtual schools should work with you as a kinship carer.

Other services

Kinship carers have told us about other support services that might be helpful in their local community.

Legal clinics can offer free advice and information usually in the form of a 30 to 60 minute appointment. Eligibility to use a clinic can depend on geographic location and the type of advice you’re looking for. Find out more about each legal clinic listed by visiting their website.

Specialist areas: Family

Opening times: Term time on Wednesdays 12-4pm by appointment only

Who can access: Residents of Plymouth and surrounding areas

For other sources of legal support, read our page on legal help for kinship carers.

Your nearest foodbank

Food banks provide emergency food and support to people and families facing hardship. Your nearest foodbanks are listed below.

Data supplied by Give Food.

Adoption and special guardianship support fund

Did you know you might be eligible for support from the adoption and special guardianship support fund? The fund can help you pay for essential therapeutic services, such as creative therapies, life story work, family therapy and therapeutic short breaks.

Find out more about the adoption and special guardianship support fund

Information and advice

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