Learn about what a kinship peer support group leader does. What are the main responsibilities, commitments and expectations.
Section 1D: How Kinship can support you to start a group
Our friendly Kinship team can help you with practical support to get your kinship peer support group up and running. From free training to advice and more.
Topic: Kinship staff member Rachael talking about the support we can give you.
Duration: 2 mins.
How Kinship can support you to start a group
We know, as a kinship carer it can sometimes feel lonely and isolating. There’s a huge amount of pressure on your shoulders.
So peer support groups create spaces for kinship carers to come together and meet other kinship carers, share stories and signpost to other support.
We’ve been funded to help kinship carers set up their own groups. If you want to set up a group you’d become a ‘Support Group Leader’ volunteer.
And as a Support Group Leader volunteer, we can provide:
- training on all aspects of running a group. From where and how to begin, to important topics such as safeguarding
- a dedicated Kinship Volunteer Coordinator who is based in your region and will work with you to get your group started
- opportunities to meet with other kinship Support Group Leaders to share experiences with setting up and running a group
What if I want to set up a group on my own?
There is absolutely no pressure to volunteer to start a group with Kinship. But we still want to support you.
You are welcome to use any of the resources in the our Peer Support Group Library for free. We’ve designed them for anyone to access. They cover many topics including:
- how to start a peer support group
- promoting your group
- running your kinship peer support group
We can also promote your group on our website, so any kinship carer can find your group.
If you get stuck at any time, then we’re happy to see how we might be able to help.
What training does Kinship offer?
Our Volunteer Coordinators give you practical training, can help you to find a free venue and give you tips and tools you can use. They’ll also help promote your group to other kinship carers.
Kinship can support you each step of the way to become a Kinship Support Group Leader. Our online training covers everything you need to know about setting up and running your group.
Topics covered by our kinship group training include:
- how to set up your kinship group
- your role as a peer group leader
- creating a safe space
- how to run a meeting and facilitation tips and tricks
- how to promote your group
- safeguarding
As a kinship carer, you will have your own kinship journey. Other people will have their own individual journey. That’s what makes you unique.
People attending the group will have questions and need advice. You are not expected to be an expert in kinship care.
To help with signposting and advice, we run regular online information workshops, offer online advice and information and have a fantastic Kinship Advice service.
Along with the support provided by our Volunteer Coordinators, you’ll have your own Peer Support Group Leader handbook. This is a useful and informative guide to setting up and running a kinship group.
Help is available for every step of your kinship ‘Support Group Leader’ journey.
Get in touch with our team to find out how we can support
You can talk to a friendly Coordinator in the Peer Support Team who’ll take you through our support. You don’t need to commit it’s just a chat.
Talk to a Kinship Coordinator