During Kinship Week (17 – 21 March), the city council is celebrating family members and friends who step up to care for children when their parents can’t.
Kinship carers are family members or close friends who step in to care for children, often at short notice and with little time to prepare. Their selfless commitment helps ensure that children can remain within their family network and continue to thrive in familiar surroundings.
As part of this year’s Kinship Week celebrations, the city council is launching Community Clusters - a new initiative aimed at strengthening support for kinship carers.
Community Clusters will offer monthly support groups where carers can come together to share experiences, offer advice, and build meaningful connections with others in similar situations.
Councillor Sarah Hill, cabinet member for children’s services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "Kinship carers play a vital role in providing children with a safe, loving, and stable home. During Kinship Week, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to all those who step up and make such a profound difference in children’s lives.
“The launch of Community Clusters marks an important step in our ongoing commitment to supporting kinship carers. We understand the challenges they face, and these groups will create a space for carers to connect, feel supported, and share their journey with others.”
The new support groups are part of the city council’s wider focus on early intervention and partnership working, ensuring that families receive the right support at the right time. By reducing isolation and building a network of mutual support, Community Clusters aim to empower kinship carers in their vital role.
For more information about Community Clusters and support available for kinship carers, visit: https://fostering.stoke.gov.uk/
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