Kinship Care to launch new service

Kinship Care in Londonderry is to add a new training programme to its range of services to help reduce isolation and stigma suffered grandparents raising their grandchildren.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Apr 2015, 08:45 BST
Jacqueline Williamson, chief executive with the Kinship Care, keeping families together centre, Carlisle Road. INLS 0815-4782MT.Jacqueline Williamson, chief executive with the Kinship Care, keeping families together centre, Carlisle Road. INLS 0815-4782MT.
Jacqueline Williamson, chief executive with the Kinship Care, keeping families together centre, Carlisle Road. INLS 0815-4782MT.

According to Foyle Kinship Care CEO Jacqueline Williamson, the Grandfamilies scheme will be operating by the summer.

“The service will be offering a range of programmes and activities to improve the experience of grandparents raising grandchildren, and is specifically designed to support them in their kinship role. It will aim to improve their confidence, self-esteem and resilience and will also provide them with opportunities to learn new skills and meet and socialise with other kinship carers,” she said.

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“A tailored programme like this is important in terms of reducing the isolation, stigma and embarrassment that is so often associated with parenting again for a second time, whatever the reason and we are aiming to have it up and running for the summer.”

Councillor George Duddy with Kinship Care supporters Michelle O'Neill, Suzanna Toland, Jacqueline Williamson, Frances McIlroy, Sandra Doherty and Leona McMenamin. INCR44-385PLCouncillor George Duddy with Kinship Care supporters Michelle O'Neill, Suzanna Toland, Jacqueline Williamson, Frances McIlroy, Sandra Doherty and Leona McMenamin. INCR44-385PL
Councillor George Duddy with Kinship Care supporters Michelle O'Neill, Suzanna Toland, Jacqueline Williamson, Frances McIlroy, Sandra Doherty and Leona McMenamin. INCR44-385PL

The Grandfamilies Training Programme training course will be free of charge and some of the training will be delivered by Kinship Care NI, while other aspects will be delivered by other professional organisations, such as the Nexus Institute, the Northern Trust and Parenting NI, which have a wealth of experience delivering training and many of their courses are accredited.

“This is a great opportunity for kinship carers to meet other carers from their area, make new friends and most importantly to have some fun,” said Jacqueline.

Those who would like more information on Grandfamilies or any of the other training programmes or activities on offer though Kinship Care, can telephone the Foyle Kinship Care office on 02871 373731 or email [email protected].