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Who is this workshop for?
This workshop is open to all kinship carers living in England.
Our Breaking Point research found nearly 1 in 5 kinship carers feel lonely “often or always”. If you’re feeling this way, you’re not alone. In this workshop, you’ll meet other kinship carers like you, learn how to look after yourself and cope with the emotional challenges of being a kinship carer.
You might find this workshop helpful if you’re about to start, or are already, caring for a family member or friend’s child, and you want to know:
- how to look after your own physical and mental health as you adapt to life as a kinship carer
- how being a kinship carer might impact on other family relationships
- how to get support and build emotional resilience for yourself and your kinship child
What will be covered?
In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn:
- practical strategies to cope with difficult emotions
- how to recognise when you need a break and find time to look after yourself
- where to get further emotional support
Our friendly facilitators, who have knowledge, expertise and lived experience of kinship care, will explain things clearly and in an engaging way. There will be an additional 30 minutes after the workshop to answer your questions and to give you a chance to speak with our facilitators and other kinship carers.
After the workshop you’ll receive information and the presentation slides by email, along with a feedback survey.
How to join the workshop
All workshops will be held online using a free platform called Zoom. Please note that numbers are limited for each session to around 20-25 people to allow you to meet other kinship carers.
You can access Zoom through a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or even your phone. You may need to download Zoom before you join – please factor in time to do that. The best experience will be through a computer or laptop. Watch a video on how to join a Zoom meeting.
To join the workshop, click on the Zoom link in the email we sent you.
Please make sure you:
- join on time – late joiners might not be admitted after 15 minutes
- have a pen/pencil and paper to make notes
What happens if you need to cancel your place?
We understand that life gets in the way sometimes, so if you need to cancel your place please do try and let us know as soon as possible.
You’ll be able to do this through:
- the email confirmation you received when you first booked
- or by emailing us on: workshops@kinship.org.uk
Who runs this workshop?
The workshop is run by our Kinship team, which includes kinship carers.
About Julie
Julie is an experienced online training facilitator who has worked with families and children for many years, the last 5 years here at Kinship. She uses her experience and knowledge to support kinship families with valuable training, always looking for ways to improve what is available. Outside of work, Julie stays busy. She loves music and has been a huge fan of para-athletics since the London 2012 Olympics, often attending events. When relaxing, she enjoys reading novels or walking on her favourite beach in Norfolk.
About Bennet
Bennet grew up as a kinship child. They know how challenging kinship care can be, and what a difference it can make in a child’s life. Over the past 20 years, Bennet has worked as an educator with families in South Africa, America, and England, and has developed a passion for mutual aid and community building. Even difficult challenges feel easier when you can talk to people who understand what you’re going through. Bennet also volunteers with several LGBTQIA+ organisations and spends the rest of their free time either reading, or with dogs. Or, if they’re lucky, reading with dogs!
About Amanda
Before Amanda joined Kinship, she worked as a Family Practitioner for a local authority. With 18 years of experience helping and supporting kinship carers, she has gained a lot of knowledge and understanding of kinship care. Amanda is married with 2 grown-up children and has a busy social life. She loves music and often goes to concerts and musical theatre shows. In her free time, she likes to read, watch films, and walk her 2 dogs.
About Chris
Chris joined Kinship after nearly 30 years of working with children and families in various settings. Most recently, she worked as a Therapeutic Parenting Consultant for an Independent Fostering Agency. In addition to Chris’ professional experience, she is a kinship carer who understands the challenges and benefits of kinship care. Together with her partner, Chris is a special guardian for their 10-year-old granddaughter, who has lived with them since she was 4. This experience has provided valuable insights into the kinship care journey. Music plays a big role in Chris’ life. She is a ‘non-singing’ member of an LGBT+ choir in Sussex and DJs at 70s and 80s nights. Chris is excited to meet as many kinship carers as possible to share her skills and experiences while learning from others.
About Marcia
Marcia has worked with young people and their families for over 35 years in various roles. For the past 12 years, she has taught 16 to 18-year-olds as a college lecturer. Marcia is also a kinship carer for her 13-year-old niece, who has been with her since she was one. Her lived experience gives her a real understanding of the challenges kinship carers face. In her free time, Marcia enjoys travelling, exploring different cultures and spending time with family and friends.
Register for this workshop
To register for your free place, complete our short form by clicking the button below.
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