You me a kettle and some biscuits - starting a kinship carers group
“If there’s you and someone else and a kettle and a packet of biscuits – start from there.”
CHILDREN 1ST works with 66 local kinship care groups across Scotland, from the Highlands to Dumfries and Galloway.
In the video below, kinship carers from Midlothian describe the challenges involved in being kinship carers and the benefits of attending a kinship care support group. The carers talk honestly about the initial shock of finding themselves becoming ‘parents’ to their grandchildren – a largely unrecognised role – and the feelings of shame and isolation that this can bring: “When you take on the role, you lose your identity…you’re not a grandparent, you’re not a parent.”
It’s obvious that they regard their support group, Grandparents Parenting Again, as a vital place to find non-judgemental advice, peer support, community and friendship. The carers outline the simple leap of faith needed to start attending – or even to set up – a local support group.
Visit our website for more information about support groups in your area, or for advice on how to start your own group.
Call the National Kinship Care Helpline on: 08000 28 22 33
Our second film features highlights from the national kinship care event held in Glasgow in February, where early years expert Dr Suzanne Zeedyk discussed the insights science offers into children's behaviour.
For kinship carers who were unable to attend the over-subscribed event, we hope the short film gives a flavour of what was a rich and rewarding day.
Kinship carer Tina Hendry said: "It was an excellent day. Suzanne Zeedyk empowered us to be proud of our identity as kinship carers."