Kinship care is when a child lives full-time or most of the time with a relative or close family friend, usually because their parents are not able to care for them. It is estimated there are more than 18,000 children in kinship care across the UK.
To mark Kinship Care Week, kinship families in Walsall were invited to attend a special celebration event on 9 October 2025 at Bescot Stadium.
Families came together for an afternoon of reflection and celebration, all in recognition of their dedication to children and young people in their care.
Kinship Care Week is a national awareness campaign led by charities and aims to shines a spotlight on the vital role kinship carers play and the challenges they face.
The event was a chance for the kinship community in Walsall to connect, share their experiences, and celebrate their collective strength and resilience.
“ Our kinship families in Walsall are truly remarkable. Very often, these are people who step up in unexpected and challenging circumstances, making sacrifices to provide stability, love and care to children who need them most.
Councillor Mark Statham, Portfolio Holder for Children's, Families and Lifelong Learning
Kinship carers are everyday heroes, and it’s important we recognise and celebrate their contribution - not just during Kinship Care Week, but all year round. “
Walsall Council
Attendees listened to reflections from those in the kinship community and enjoyed fun bingo games before lunch.
Leading charity Kinship works in partnership with Walsall Council to provide tailored support for carers.
Emma Powell is a family worker for Kinship. Speaking about her role she said, “I support, advise and inform kinship carers. During the last year I have felt humbled, emotionally moved and in awe of what kinship carers achieve every single day to care for the children they care for.
“They have to navigate numerous challenges, often at the cost of their own health and wellbeing and sometimes with very little support and acknowledgment. However, their unwavering love and commitment means that their kinship children will have a chance to grow up and see that the world can be a place of love, happiness, and hope. They are truly remarkable, and I feel privileged to share their kinship journeys.”
To find out more about what support is available locally, please visit the council’s website: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/fostering/types-foster-carers/connected-foster-carers
