When a child can’t live with their parents, it is often a grandparent, aunt, uncle or close family friend who steps in. These kinship carers provide love, stability and a safe home at a moment’s notice, but many do so while carrying enormous emotional strain and navigating situations they never expected to face.
To help them through the journey, Kinship Carers UK has been working to expand its network of local support groups across Worcestershire. These groups give carers a place to talk openly, share experiences and build confidence in their caring role.
With help from a Worcestershire County Council Public Health grant, Kinship Carers UK has been able to set up and strengthen groups in Stourport, Wyre Forest, Redditch, Bromsgrove and Worcester.
Enza Smith MBE, founder of Kinship Carers UK said: “Thanks to this grant, we’ve been able to reach families who previously had no support at all. It has allowed us to set up new groups, train volunteers and offer more activities for both carers and children. Kinship families often feel invisible, but this funding has helped us make sure they are seen, heard and supported.”
The groups are designed to reduce isolation and improve emotional wellbeing. Workshops, including trauma‑informed sessions, help carers understand the challenges children may face, while creative and wellbeing activities offer families a chance to reconnect and enjoy positive moments together.
At a recent visit to a Kinship Carers UK support group in Worcester, carers spoke openly about their journeys. Their stories were emotional and at times heartbreaking, but what stood out most was the strength in the room and the comfort they found in one another.
One carer described how overwhelming those early days felt, and how vital it was to find someone who understood. She said the support she received from the group “has been amazing,” adding that Enza had guided her through the court process and continued to be there “every single day since.” She and her partner now care for three children.
Another carer shared how her life changed in an instant when her daughter died suddenly while her grandson was at school. She brought him home that day and has cared for him ever since, seventeen years of love, grief and determination. She explained, “We’ve all got one thing in common here. I’ve been coming for thirteen years, and I’ll keep coming. You get a lot of support.”
Many carers spoke about how isolating the experience can be. One described it as “flailing like a boat in the middle of the sea,” trying desperately to find the right help for their children. Others said they simply wouldn’t have known where to turn without Kinship Carers UK. One carer said, “I wanted to give up. I found Enza on the internet. I don’t know what I would’ve done without her. She makes us feel less alone.”
For the children, the groups are just as important. At Kinship Carers UK events, every child meets others who share their experience. As one carer put it, “Every child feels normal here. No one has to explain why they don’t live with their parents.”
Cllr Justin Bowen, Cabinet Member for Children and Families said: “It was incredibly moving to hear the stories shared by kinship carers. Their dedication is remarkable, and the support they give children is life‑changing. We are proud to fund projects like this, which strengthen communities and ensure carers have the help they need. We will continue to work closely with Kinship Carers UK to support families across Worcestershire.”
By working closely with Family Hubs and community venues, Kinship Carers UK is making sure support is easy to access and rooted in the places carers already know and trust. Together, these groups are creating a strong, supportive community for kinship families across Worcestershire, helping carers feel less alone and giving children the chance to thrive.
To find out more or access support, visit: www.kinshipcarersuk.com
If you’d like to explore how a Public Health Community Wellbeing Grant could support wellbeing in your area, visit: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/communitygrants