If you're considering starting a kinship peer support group, or you already run one, we have resources that can help.
The Hub – a community for kinship peer support groups
Do you run a peer support group for kinship carers? Join the Hub – our national community of groups. Whether Kinship helped set up your group, or you started independently, in the Hub you can connect with other group leaders and get support from the Kinship Peer Support team.
Contact the Hub team
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What is the Hub?
The Hub is made up of volunteer group leaders (who are mostly kinship carers themselves) and Kinship staff based in the Peer Support team. Together, we help groups to thrive; to be any kind of group you want to be, whether it’s a casual monthly coffee morning, a weekly drop-in, or an online group.
At the heart of them all is a vital safe space for kinship carers to connect with others who understand. The Hub brings together everyone who makes these spaces possible, so no one feels alone in running their group.
If your group was set up by a Development Officer in the Peer Support team, they will introduce you to the Hub when your group is confidently running with a volunteer leader/leaders.
What are the benefits to joining the Hub?
The Hub supports groups in a number of ways – most importantly, we offer a sense of community. Being part of the Hub means being in the loop about all things peer support, from venue ideas and group agreements, to solving problems like how to meet more kinship carers in your area. You’ll have a network of volunteers, staff and kinship carers there for you when you need help or just want a chat about your group.
Here’s how the Hub works:
- We host monthly virtual meetings for group leaders to come together and share experiences, challenges and insights. You can also request guest speakers if you’d like to learn about a service or topic to take back to your group.
- We keep you connected even further through a Whatsapp chat, monthly emails rounding up peer support activities and Kinship updates, and the Peer Post magazine (view all editions below). Through these channels, you can share and see what groups have been up to, and gather useful information like support services to signpost your group members to.
- We support kinship carers to find your group by listing it on our website and sending people your way if they enquire with us.
- We inform wider Kinship staff of your group so it can be considered when Kinship activities are planned in the area.
- We collaborate on free guidance and resources available for groups in the Peer Support library.
- You shape the support we provide at Kinship by feeding back experiences and voicing the needs of your community.
- You get the chance to support, motivate and inspire other groups, reminding them that they’re not alone.
How can I get more support for my group?
We can support Hub groups even further through our Network Agreement. This is an agreement between Kinship and your group based on shared values and goals, allowing you to feel confident in collaboration with us and other groups in the network.
Through the Network Agreement, you can:
- Access public liability insurance
- Use an ‘in partnership with Kinship’ logo when promoting your group
- Get support from Hub staff with group challenges, such as complaints or difficult situations
- Access free training on group facilitation, including safeguarding, inclusion and data protection
- Get support with reaching more kinship carers in your area
- Receive flyers and other Kinship merchandise to help promote your group
- Buddy with fellow group leaders to learn new skills and solve problems together
- Get involved in decision-making and support the development and impact of the Peer Support service
Interested? Join the Hub today by emailing peersupport@kinship.org.uk
See other related content
Peer support groups are a great way to meet other kinship carers, share your experiences and exchange advice. Find your nearest group.
Whether you're new to kinship care, already caring for a child or supporting a family member or friend, we’re here to help. Find out more about the support and advice we can offer.
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