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.
View other support groups near you
View all support groups
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.
Read the kinship local offer in Torbay Council.
Your local authority financial allowances policy
Local authorities must identify how family and friends carers are made aware of financial support, this might
be in the family and friends care policy or in a separate policy.
In Torbay Council,
Financial allowances information is shared in section 5 of the kinship care policy.
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.
