Scotland Kinship Care Week – Welcoming new carers at Big Hearts
Scotland Kinship Care Week is taking place from 14th to 18th March. For many years, Big Hearts has played a key part in the week-long campaign raising awareness of this ‘hidden’ form of care, which remains under-represented.
This year, Big Hearts is hosting two Kinship Care events open to experienced and new kinhsip carers:
- ‘Big Hearts Big Breakfast’ on Monday 14th, a relaxing morning to hear experiences from others carers. We will also launch the Big Hearts Facebook Group for Kinship Carers.
- ‘Family Fun Afternoon’ on Friday 18th, hosted in partnership with the Kinship Care Advice Service for Scotland and Edinburgh Council. A host of fun family activities for the whole family to enjoy for free – registrations via Eventbrite.
What is Kinship Care?
This is where a child lives with a family relative full-time as their parents are unable to care for them. This form of care is common in Scotland. Statistics estimate that a 1 in 3 of children currently ‘looked after’ in the country are in Kinship Care.
Watch this video to find out more.
How do we support Kinship Families?
Kinship Care was chosen By Big Hearts as the first area of charitable work in 2015. Supported by The National Lottery Community Fund, our flagship programme aims to address the emotional, practical and financial challenges faced by young people and their carers. From expert advice to peer support and group activities, Big Hearts provides a wide range of free services to young people and their carers.
- Carers Coffee Mornings
- After School Club – click here
- Men Carers Group
- Teenage Wellbeing Group
- Youth Befriending – click here
If you are a brand-new or an experienced carer, you are welcome to take part in ou free support & activities, please email sandra.henderson@bighearts.org.uk or call 07990 799 889.