From 5 to 11 October 2026, Liverpool will join communities across the country in marking Kinship Care Week, a national campaign celebrating the relatives and friends who step up to raise children when their parents are unable to do so.
This year’s campaign is particularly significant as it marks the 10th anniversary of National Kinship Care Week, a movement that began here in Liverpool.
In 2016, a group of local kinship carers came together with a determination to ensure families like theirs were recognised, valued and supported. Through the work of Kinship Carers Liverpool, their vision became a reality, helping to create a national awareness week that has continued to grow in influence and reach. Today, Kinship Care Week is celebrated in more than 20 countries around the world, demonstrating the power of kinship carers’ voices and the impact they can have when they come together.
Across England and Wales, more than 141,000 children are being raised in kinship care. These children are growing up in loving, stable homes that help them stay connected to their families, culture, communities and support networks. Kinship carers can be grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings, family friends or other trusted adults who provide children with the love, security and sense of belonging they need to thrive.
This Kinship Care Week, Liverpool will recognise, celebrate and support every kinship family while raising awareness of the vital role they play in children’s lives.
Throughout the week Kinship Carers Liverpool will host a programme of events including coffee mornings, a special high tea and an intergenerational celebration. The city will also renew its commitment to kinship families through the Liverpool Kinship Charter and Local Offer, which provide information, support and guidance for kinship carers and the children they care for.
As part of the celebrations, Liverpool Town Hall and St George’s Hall will be illuminated in green on the 4th and 5th October, creating a visible symbol of the city’s appreciation for kinship carers and the extraordinary contribution they make to keeping children safe, loved and connected to their families and communities.
The week will also shine a light on the many “hidden” kinship carers across the city. Many people caring for a relative’s or friend’s child do not realise they are considered kinship carers and may be unaware that support, advice and local networks are available to help them navigate the challenges and rewards of their role.
Councillor Liz Parsons, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said:
“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.”
“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.”
For many families, finding support through Kinship Carers Liverpool has been life changing.
Pauline Thornley, Kinship Carers Liverpool, said: “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.”
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, who cares for her granddaughter, said: “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.”
Cathy, who became a kinship carer for her grandchildren after returning to Liverpool from Canada, said: “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 thinks they may be a kinship carer, or would like to learn more about the support available, is encouraged to explore Liverpool’s Kinship Local Offer and connect with the city’s growing kinship community.
Find out more about Liverpool’s Kinship Local Offer: https://liverpool.gov.uk/children-and-families/childrens-social-care/kinship-local-offer/
