This Kinship Care Week (5 to 10 October) the Royal Borough of Greenwich is recognising the invaluable role of kinship carers to the borough with a week-long programme of events and the launch of a new Kinship Care Strategy and Local Offer. This new strategy supports the council's commitment to helping children to remain safely within their family networks, wherever it is safe and appropriate to do so, reducing the need for children to enter foster care and improving outcomes for children and families across Greenwich.
Kinship carers are relatives, friends or other connected adults who step in to care for children when their parents are unable to do so, helping them stay connected to their family, community and support networks.
The strategy, which covers 2026-2029, outlines how the council will strengthen support for kinship carers through practical assistance, financial support, training, advice and partnership working, helping children remain connected to their families, communities, culture and identity. The strategy includes our commitment to listening to carers and young people with lived experience and involving them in shaping future services.
The launch takes place during a week-long programme of activities.
Cllr Sandra Bauer, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Post-16 Futures said: "Kinship carers play a remarkable role in our communities, often stepping forward during challenging circumstances to provide children with love, stability and a sense of belonging. In Greenwich, over 430 children are being cared for in kinship arrangements, and this number is increasing. We want to thank families who step up when children need them most for their vital contribution to our borough. Their dedication helps children remain connected to their families, friends, schools and communities.
"This strategy is an important step in ensuring kinship families receive the recognition, support and advice they deserve. Through our new Kinship Local Offer and the activities taking place during Kinship Care Week, we want every kinship carer in Greenwich to know that they are valued and that support is available when they need it."
The Kinship Care Week 2026 activities will begin on Monday 5 October with a Kinship Resources Surgery* offering kinship carers access to advice, guidance and support from council services and partner organisations.
The same day will also see the official launch of the new Kinship Care Strategy and Kinship Local Offer during a multi-agency marketplace event, bringing together professionals and support services to showcase the help available to families.
On Wednesday 7 October, an awareness campaign will take place across the council offices, helping staff and visitors learn more about kinship care and the support available to carers and young people.
The week will culminate in a Kinship Family Celebration Event* on Saturday 10 October, bringing together kinship carers, children, young people and professionals for a day of family activities, entertainment and recognition. The event will celebrate the achievements of kinship families, strengthen community connections and provide opportunities for carers and young people to share feedback that will help shape future services.
*If you are a kinship carer interested in attending one of the events, please email Kinship.Duty@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.