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From the 5th to the 11th of October 2026, Liverpool will participate alongside communities nationwide in observing Kinship Care Week. This annual campaign is dedicated to honoring the relatives and close friends who take on the responsibility of raising children when their parents cannot. This year’s event holds special meaning as it celebrates a decade since the inception of National Kinship Care Week, a movement that originated in Liverpool.
In 2016, a collective of local kinship carers united with the goal of ensuring that families like theirs received recognition, respect, and support. Their efforts, led by Kinship Carers Liverpool, materialized into a national awareness week that has expanded significantly over the years. Kinship Care Week has now reached more than 20 countries globally, reflecting the strength of kinship carers’ advocacy and the profound influence they wield.
Currently, over 141,000 children across England and Wales are growing up in kinship care arrangements. These children benefit from nurturing, stable environments that enable them to maintain connections to their families, cultural backgrounds, communities, and support systems. Kinship carers encompass a wide range of individuals, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings, family friends, and other trusted adults who provide essential love, stability, and a sense of belonging.
During this week, Liverpool will highlight, celebrate, and support kinship families, acknowledging the crucial role they play in nurturing children’s lives. Kinship Carers Liverpool will organize various events throughout the week such as coffee mornings, a special high tea, and an intergenerational gathering. The city will reaffirm its dedication to these families through the Liverpool Kinship Charter and Local Offer, initiatives designed to offer guidance, support, and information for kinship carers and their children.
To visibly demonstrate the city’s gratitude, Liverpool Town Hall and St George’s Hall will be illuminated green on the 4th and 5th of October, symbolizing appreciation for the unwavering commitment kinship carers show in providing safe, loving homes. The week also seeks to raise awareness of the many “hidden” kinship carers—those who may not realize they fall under this category or are unaware of the support and networks available to assist them.
Councillor Liz Parsons, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, reflected on her personal experience by stating: “As someone who has been a foster carer myself, I know how much difference a loving and stable home can make to a child’s life. Kinship carers open their hearts and homes, often at a moment’s notice, to keep children connected to the people, places and relationships that matter most to them.” She added, “What makes kinship care so special is that it helps children maintain a sense of identity and belonging during some of the most difficult times in their lives. These families show remarkable strength, resilience and compassion every day. As we celebrate 10 years of Kinship Care Week, it’s right that we recognise and thank every kinship carer across Liverpool for the life-changing role they play in helping children feel safe, loved and secure.”
Individuals involved with Kinship Carers Liverpool speak highly of the support they have received. Pauline Thornley remarked, “I love the power of our voice. From a group of kinship carers meeting at Ellergreen Community Centre and asking for a National Kinship Care Week, to making that happen, it has been an incredible journey. I now sit on a national working group helping to plan Kinship Care Week and am part of a global network, with more than 20 countries celebrating alongside us. That’s powerful.”
Others have shared their personal experiences: a young person supported by Kinship Carers Liverpool said, “I love Kinship Care Week. We have lots of celebrations, and it feels like one big family.” Tina, a grandmother who cares for her granddaughter, spoke of her positive changes, saying, “I came to Kinship four years ago and the change in my life has been incredible. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. I get lots of training and support, and my granddaughter loves all the trips and activities.” Similarly, Cathy, who became a kinship carer after returning to Liverpool from Canada, shared, “Kinship’s phone number was the best number I ever received. I arrived with nothing and they helped me every step of the way. We’re a family, and my grandchildren are thriving because of the support.”
Anyone who suspects they might be a kinship carer or wants to learn about the available resources is encouraged to explore Liverpool’s Kinship Local Offer and engage with the city’s expanding kinship community
Read the full article on Liverpool Express here: Read More
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