Grandparents and family carers have shared powerful stories detailing how crucial support is transforming children's lives, coinciding with the official launch of Bolton's new Kinship Zone. The special event, held at the Town Hall, took place during Kinship Care Week.
The gathering brought together kinship families, professionals, and community partners to acknowledge the vital role that relatives and family friends play in raising children when parents are unable to do so. Across England and Wales, over 141,000 children are currently being raised in kinship care.
Kinship carers shared first-hand accounts describing how practical, emotional, and financial assistance from Bolton Council has significantly aided their grandchildren in overcoming challenges, achieving success in school, and building brighter futures.
The launch highlighted the comprehensive support available through Bolton's new Kinship Zone. This includes expert advice, specialised training, peer support networks, family activities, Kinship Allowances, and Family Network Support Packages, designed to offer flexible practical and financial help, ensuring children remain safely within their family networks.
Bolton is one of only seven local authorities selected nationwide to pilot the Government's Kinship Zone initiative, and notably, the only one in the North West region. This selection brings enhanced support and investment directly to local families.
The Mayor of Bolton, Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, welcomed attendees and commended the unwavering dedication of kinship carers throughout the borough. He stated, “I am incredibly proud of the work taking place across Bolton to ensure that children can live happy and healthy lives within their own families, wherever it is safe and right for them to do so. Bolton has been at the forefront of developing support for kinship families, strengthening the help available so that children can remain within their family networks. The launch of the Kinship Zone is a significant achievement and one of which our borough can be very proud of.”
Sandra Bruce, Director of Children's Services at Bolton Council, commented, "Kinship carers provide children with something incredibly important: love, stability and a sense of belonging during some of the most difficult periods of their lives. The stories shared today demonstrate the life-changing difference the right support can make for both carers and the children they are raising."
A central theme throughout the event emphasised the importance of maintaining children's connections to the people, places, and relationships that are most meaningful to them. Remaining connected to family, identity, school, friendships, community, culture, and heritage significantly benefits children, playing a crucial role in shaping their sense of belonging, overall wellbeing, and resilience.
The Kinship Zone is specifically designed to strengthen and preserve these vital connections by offering practical support, financial assistance, and access to essential resources for Kinship Carers. Families in Bolton who believe they may be eligible for support through the Kinship Zone are encouraged to visit www.bolton.gov.uk/kinshipzone for further information or contact kinshipcareteam@bolton.gov.uk.
