Kinship care information and support
Kinship care is when a child lives with a relative or friend who isn't their parent because their parents are unable to care for them. For information and support for relatives and family friends who care for children visit our Kinship Support webpages or contact
kinshipsupport@edinburgh.gov.uk
0131 529 2588 Mondays and Thursdays between 9am and 5pm and Fridays from 9am to 3.30pm, leave a message for a callback.
Kinship Care Advice Service Scotland
The offers a range of information, help and advice on issues impacting kinship families including finances, legal issues, siblings, wellbeing and trauma.
Details of online events including education cafes which focus on different topics such as transitions or supports during the holidays can be found on the .
Information on peer support groups and a is also available. A Helpline offering free and confidential advice for kinship families in Scotland on any matter affecting them and the children in their care can be accessed from Monday to Friday between 10am and 2.30pm by contacting
0800 8000 006
Big Hearts Kinship - Care support for families
Offering free one-to-one advice on parenting strategies and financial and practical support through family support officers. Peer Support is available through a kinship families group which meets weekly on Tuesdays, kinship coffee mornings which run on alternate Mondays and a male carers group also meets monthly for social activities.
Full information on the groups and clubs programme can be found on the or by emailing
connor.mcnally@bighearts.org.uk
Kinsfolk carers
A relaxed supportive group for kinship carers. The group meets in Leith Community Centre every Thursday from 10am to 12pm during term time. For more information contact
07958 773 780
Adoption UK - Education PATHway programme
A service for adopted or kinship care families caring for a primary or secondary-aged child who is struggling with their education provision. Support is offered through Adoption UK’s PATH therapeutic services.
For more information visit the or email
Adoption UK - #E Project
A service for children and young people who are adopted, living in kinship care and/or living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Monthly online sessions aim to develop individual skills, social interactions, confidence and self-esteem. Face to face opportunities and experiences also available. Open to people aged five to 25 years old.
For more information visit the or contact
fasdhub.scotland@adoptionuk.org.uk
Children Health Scotland
A range of free online workshops to support the health and wellbeing of kinship carers in Scotland and the young people/children in their care. Covering topics such as adolescence, understanding trauma and looking after your family and self. Additional online workshops tailored to foster carers are also available.
For more information visit the or contact
enquiries@childrenshealthscotland.org
0131 553 6553
Visit the for free workshops for Kinship Carers.