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 between Monday and Thursday from 9 am to 5 pm and Friday from 9 am to 3.30 pm, leave a message for a callback.
Kinship Care Advice Service Scotland
The offers a range of information, help and advice with 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 and booked 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 10 am to 2.30 pm, Monday to Friday by contacting
08008 000 006
Big Hearts Kinship care support for families
The Big Hearts Kinship Care service offers 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 and kinship coffee mornings which run on alternate Mondays. A male carers group also meets monthly for social activities.
Please note the Kinship Care Helpline is not available at the moment.
Full information on the groups and clubs programme can be found on the鈥� or by emailing鈥�
connor.mcnally@bighearts.org.uk
Big Hearts Coffee Mornings
Big Hearts Coffee Mornings offers a safe space for kinship carers to connect, receive peer support, and discuss specific challenges. The coffee mornings are held fortnightly on Mondays from 10 am to 12 pm at
The Shed Tynecastle Park EH11 2NZTo attend contact
connor.mcnally@bighearts.org.uk
07990 799 889
Big Hearts Men Carers group
Big Hearts Men Carers Group is a peer support group for male kinship carers and father figures to join in local social activities that support building well-being and connections. The group meets at various locations across Edinburgh, depending on the activities organised. For more information contact
connor.mcnally@bighearts.org.uk
07435 904 935
Kinsfolk carers
A relaxed supportive group for kinship carers. The group meets in local venues in the Leith area every Thursday from 10 am to 12 pm during term time. For more information contact
07958 773 780
Education PATHway programme - Adoption UK
A service for adopted or kinship care families caring for a primary or secondary-aged child who is struggling in their education provision. Support is offered through Adoption UK’s PATH therapeutic services. Support may include a series of meetings with the school, support for families from a peer support partner or online therapeutic support for young people aged 13 years and above, for up to 15 sessions. For more information contact
0131 202 3670
#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 run. Open to people aged five to 25 years old. For more information contact
0131 202 3670
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.
enquiries@childrenshealthscotland.org
0131 553 6553