After the success of our kinship carers training event at Ridley & Hall offices in Huddersfield, our specialist kinship carer team listened to feedback from attendees about holding similar events in different locations. It was decided that the North East would be a prime location.

Working together with the team from Grandparents Plus and in particular, Relative Experience Project, discussions took place about what information carers required and what would be of most use to them.

Helen Moody, organiser of the event commented, “We have always known that there are a large number of kinship carers in the North East area so it was great that so many booked onto the training. The aim was to give carers an insight into the different orders available to them in caring for their relatives and also explain about care proceedings and the process for challenging negative assessments.

The venue could hold up to 50 people and the event was fully booked within the first week of advertising going live.

The “Beast from the East” unfortunately arrived on the day and snow fall had an impact on the attendees.

The training was delivered by our Laura Milburn who gave information regarding the different types of orders for kinship carers and support, how to become a party to care proceedings and challenging negative assessments. Laura also gave out tailored legal advice to carers where required.

Laura commented, “With heavy snowfall the night before and on the morning of the event, I was delighted when 25 people turned up. Given the amount of people, I ran the event as a more interactive session which was really well received by attendees. It was extremely insightful and a pleasure to meet the carers who are all doing an amazing job. It was a real eye opener as to what support services are lacking for them in the North East”.

Ridley & Hall are now exploring ways to work with carers and to set up regular legal advice clinics across the country to provide individualised advice to kinship carers.

Helen Moody commented, “We are always looking at ways we can work with kinship carers up and down the country and the North East is an example of an area rife with social care involvement. It is exciting to see so many people engaging in these sessions and I am excited for what we can put together next”.

If you are a kinship carer and want specialist advice or a professional with ideas for working collaboratively with our kinship team, please contact us on 0800 8 60 62 65 or email Helen Moody.