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
Kinship carers tell us their journey can be overwhelming and confusing. To help you navigate this complex system, we
run workshops and events both online and in-person. Each session provides an opportunity to learn, connect with other
kinship carers and understand more about how Kinship can support you. We add events throughout the year,
check our events regularly for updates or
join our community to keep up to date.
We also offer online workshops on a range of topics, from an introduction to kinship care to managing contact.
View all workshops and events
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 Merton Borough Council,
which you may need as you navigate your journey.
Adoption and Permanence Team
You can find more about the support available for children, young people and families on the Merton Borough 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 Merton Borough Council. Please email our campaigns team for support encouraging your council to develop their local offer with kinship carers.
Your SEND local offer
All local authorities must publish and maintain a SEND local offer. This is a document or set of documents outlining the support available in that area for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Read the SEND local offer for Merton Borough Council.
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.
Merton Virtual School
Find out more about how virtual schools should work with you as a kinship carer.
