Kinship Local Offer

Here you will find information on some of the support available to you if you are a Southwark kinship carer.

Family support

The Special Guardian and Connected Carers Team are happy to answer your queries. This includes: 

• financial entitlements
• how to get a referral for therapy, housing or family mediation  

The team also runs a monthly support group where you can meet other kinship carers and talk about concerns. Contact them by:

• phone: 020 7525 1762
• email: sgoconnectedpersons@southwark.gov.uk 

The Virtual School

The Virtual School in the London Borough of Southwark plays a vital role in supporting the educational outcomes of kinship children.  The Virtual School Headteacher is responsible for ensuring advice and guidance is given to carers and children receive appropriate educational assistance to best meet their needs. 

Contact the Virtual School Headteacher Usha Singh: 

• phone: 020 7525 4076
• email: usha.singh@southwark.gov.uk
• email: virtualschool@southwark.gov.uk  

Kinship 

Kinship is a national charity providing dedicated help, advice and information to kinship carers. Visit the Kinship website.

General support

Southwark kinship carers can also get:

• confidential and impartial advice on local services for children and families from Southwark Family Information Service
• advice and support for parents and carers from  Southwark Children and Family Centres
• resources for young people from One Hub Southwark
• support for children, young people and adults (aged 0-25) who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
• free parenting courses led by parents from our Southwark communities from our Family Early Help Team
• therapy and parenting advice from The Nest Southwark  
• help for people struggling with their mental health to navigate a range of services on offer from the Southwark Wellbeing Hub
• a directory of community-based mental health and wellbeing services specifically for Black people in Southwark from Healthwatch Southwark