It was Kinship Care Week, from 6 to 12 October, a national week of awareness, recognition, and celebration of kinship families across England and Wales.
Kinship carers are the quiet heroes of our community, and in here in Slough, kinship carers are supported by Slough Children First. Kinship carers include grandparents starting over to raise their grandchildren, aunts and uncles stepping in without hesitation, and siblings who become carers overnight.
For Slough Children First, kinship is about love, resilience, and connection, all qualities that transform lives and give vulnerable children and young people the stability they deserve.
To celebrate these incredible carers, Slough Children First’s fostering agency, Foster with Slough, organised a week of special events that celebrated both the strength of our kinship carers and their spirit. Activities included: body mapping and reading, a calming yoga and mindfulness session, a High Tea and a restorative pampering and wellbeing morning held on World Mental Health Day (10 October), with one carer stating that “It was a moment to pause and feel appreciated for all we do.”
At the pampering morning, local kinship carers were treated to complimentary hair styling, mini facials, and back massages, all provided by the college’s talented beauty and therapy students. The atmosphere was filled with smiles, relaxation, and a rare sense of being cared for in return.
Lucy Privett, Head of Professional Studies at Slough & Langley College, said: “We were delighted to support Kinship Care Week by offering complimentary Hair & Beauty treatments at Slough & Langley College, especially on World Mental Health day. We feel so privileged to be able to give back to these wonderful individuals who selflessly do so much every day. The salons were buzzing with energy, and our students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to connect with the local community.”
Sue Butcher, Director of Children’s Services and Chief Executive of Slough Children First, said: “Kinship Care Week shines a light on the incredible families who open their hearts and homes to children in need. Every event reflected the compassion and resilience of kinship carers, and we are immensely proud to recognise and support them.”
The week-long celebration captured the essence of this year’s theme, “Connection, Celebration and Hope” and reminded everyone that kinship care is built on the power of family, love, and community spirit. For more information about kinship care or to find out how to get involved, contact kinshipduty@sloughchildrenfirst.co.uk or call 01753 690 960.
