Kinship Local Offer

Our special guardian and connected carers team are a dedicated team for Southwark kinship carers and we’re here to answer any questions you have.

We make referrals for:

• housing
• therapy
• family mediation

We also make referrals for family group conference (FGC), which is a meeting where families make plans and decisions about a child. The meeting is organised and run by an independent co-ordinator and the term ‘family’ includes all people who are worried and care about the child. 

This includes the:

• child
• parents
• extended family
• friends
• community

Our team can answer questions about the special guardianship assessment process and any financial payments you may be entitled to. We also run regular training courses and a monthly support group where you can meet other kinship carers. 

You can contact us by:

• calling 020 7525 1762
• emailing sgoconnectedpersons@southwark.gov.uk 

More services for kinship carers

Kinship is a national charity that provides dedicated help, advice and information to all kinds of kinship carers. You can call their free advice line, join a support group and attend free workshops, both online and in-person. 

Workshop topics include:

• managing challenging behaviours
• understanding trauma
• supporting your kinship child at school

You can call them on 0300 123 7015 or email info@kinship.org.uk

Southwark family information service provides confidential and impartial advice on local services for all children and families living in Southwark. They can talk you through:

• childcare provision and costs
• breakfast and after school clubs
• holiday play schemes and much more 

You can call them on 0800 013 0639 or email family.info@southwark.gov.uk

Southwark children and family centres are hubs for in-person support, information and family advice on:

• health
• parenting
• childcare

All families with children can join a hub to get support and most services are free. There are five neighbourhood hubs to choose from. 

One Hub Southwark has resources dedicated to children and young people in Southwark.  You can find information and advice on:

• fun activities
• jobs and apprenticeships
• drugs and alcohol, sexual health
• mental health and wellbeing

Southwark family early help team offers free parenting courses led by parents from Southwark communities.  There are different courses to choose from and you can register easily online.

SpeakerBox is a young person led forum where children in care, kinship and care experienced young people can:

• make friends
• get involved in projects
• join activities free of charge like the annual trip to Thorpe Park

 You can call, text or Whatsapp: 07718 130 451 or email speakerbox@southwark.gov.uk