Nottinghamshire’s kinship carers celebrated for their important role in children’s lives

Kinship carers in Nottinghamshire were invited to a special lunch event to celebrate the vital role they play for children in the county.

The event, organised by Nottinghamshire County Council’s kinship support service, brought together kinship carers, staff, councillors, and other partners to thank and recognise carers for their commitment. Kinship carers include grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, former foster carers, and even family friends, who selflessly step in to care for children when their birth parents are unable to. They provide children with a loving, familiar home when they need it most.

The event, which took place during Kinship Care Week 2026, was also a chance for attendees to learn more about the support available to them and meet other kinship carers, fostering important peer support networks and the opportunity to share experiences.

Louise has been a kinship carer for over seven years, and said: “In the last two years, I’ve really got involved in the kinship community and with Lucy and the team. Two years ago, they started a kinship forum, and I decided I was going to give it a go and put myself out there, […] now I co-chair the kinship forum. I’ve become quite passionate about it.

“The support from the council has been really good for us as kinship carers. They’ve helped me with accessing funding. I know they help other families if they’re struggling or having problems. A lot of the time it’s grandparents that are looking after their children’s children. If they can’t help with something, they will signpost you to someone who can.

“It is very fulfilling, but you can have all the preparation in the world and it’s still going to be harder than you think - although I wouldn’t be without her, but it’s 24/7.

“This is the third event now and it’s nice to know that we are appreciated because you know what we do can be isolating and life changing.”

Carers attending the event were treated to a complimentary lunch and encouraged to take time to focus on their own wellbeing, including hand massage and meditation. A range of partner stallholders were also on hand, providing advice, resources and support.

Councillor Rory Green, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, attended the event, and said:

“Kinship carers play a huge role in looking after children in difficult circumstances. They take on a big responsibility, and they might not even know that they’re a carer and that support is available.

At Nottinghamshire County Council, we are incredibly grateful to the kinship carers in our county, and everything they do for local children. Our kinship support service is here to give them the help they need, as well as a shoulder to lean on. It’s been an honour to meet some of the fantastic carers here today, learn about their experiences, and see the impact of the service firsthand.”

In England and Wales there are over 141,000 children being raised by a kinship carer in stable and loving homes. Nottinghamshire County Council supports over 500 kinship families, with up to 150 families accessing the bespoke support of the service at any one time. Children in kinship care can remain connected to their family, identity, community and culture, and kinship carers provide the security children need to thrive.

The annual awareness week is organised by the Kinship Charity, highlighting the importance of kinship carers nationally. Residents in Nottinghamshire might also see some new lamppost banners across the county as part of the council’s Kinship Care Week celebrations, with messages around kinship support.

Jenny Williams, Children’s Service Manager for the council’s kinship support service, said:

“This annual event is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the significant contribution our kinship carers make every day and to thank them for their dedication to children and families across Nottinghamshire.

A special thank you goes to the many local businesses who once again generously supported our Kinship Care Week celebrations, as well as the team, our partner agencies and stall holders. Their continued commitment helped make the event such a success.

We look forward to continuing to work alongside our carers and partners to ensure kinship families receive the recognition and support they deserve.”

The dedicated kinship support service is on hand throughout the year, to share advice, guidance, support and training. Anyone, at any point of their kinship journey, is welcome to get in touch, seek advice and support early, and join the community.

To speak to the team, please contact the kinship support service on either 0115 804 1407 or by emailing kinshipsupport@nottscc.gov.uk.