Cumbria shines a light on kinship carers during Kinship Care Week 2026
Among those being recognised during Kinship Care Week is vicar Paul Kerry from Whitehaven, whose family's story was featured on the BBC's CBeebies Parenting website earlier this year as part of a series showcasing diverse modern parenting and caregiving dynamics.
Paul and his wife Gabby live with their four children, aged between eight and 16. In 2024, their family grew when they became kinship carers for three-year-old Sidney, the daughter of a family friend and member of Paul's church community.
When Sidney first came to stay with the family, it was intended to be a temporary arrangement. It soon became clear she would need a permanent home.
Reflecting on that time, Paul said: "We understood that if Sidney had not come to us that weekend, she would have gone into emergency foster care, which would have been a completely different area of the country, to start life again with people that she didn't know previously."
Paul explained: "A kinship carer is somebody who is caring for a child that can't remain with their birth family, but is already connected with the child before they come into care."
Now an integral part of their family, Sidney has brought joy, growth and new experiences for everyone in the household.
"I can't imagine life without Sidney now," said Paul. "She has quite a different character to our own children, and we give her freedom to explore what that means for her and to develop those sides of her character, so she doesn't feel like she has to fit our mould."
Reflecting on the impact kinship care has had on his own life, he added: "I always thought God had something else for me, but it wasn't something He wanted me to do for Him. It was something He was going to do for me. It just changed my life, and she's brought great healing to my heart, and I'll be thankful for that for the rest of my life."
This family is just one example of the many kinship carers across Cumbria who have stepped forward to provide loving, stable homes for children who cannot live with their birth parents.
Rebecca Leighton, Kinship Care Team Manager for Cumberland Council, said:
"Stories like Paul's highlight the life-changing difference kinship carers make every day. By stepping in to care for children they know and love, kinship carers help provide stability, maintain important family and community connections, and give children the opportunity to thrive.”
Caz Mullen, from Barrow, is also a special guardian alongside her husband Kev. The couple became special guardians for a little boy they had previously fostered and understand first-hand both the rewards and challenges of providing a permanent home for a child.
Caz said: "The advice I would give to other special guardians and kinship carers is to reach out to the council and see what support is on offer and what support groups there are locally. I attend a regular support group and you get to meet other families in similar situations and we all support each other. You do need that support from other carers, as it can be tough."
Reflecting on the impact becoming special guardians has had on the child in their care, she said: "He is more settled, he knows he belongs and this is his forever home. I am so proud of him and how much he has grown and achieved."
Caz added: "Becoming a special guardian has made me stronger as a person. I am his advocate now and I am always fighting to get the best for him. It has been challenging at times, but I wouldn't have it any other way. He's the love of my life and we've built a good relationship with his birth mum too, which helps him to feel safe and secure for the future. When I sit down at the end of the day, I have a big smile on my face and feel proud of what we are doing."
Sam Moffatt, Kinship Care Team Manager, Westmorland & Furness Council, said:
“Kinship Care Week is a chance to celebrate and thank the extraordinary carers across Cumbria, like Paul and Caz, who open their hearts and homes to children when they need them most. We are proud to support kinship families and look forward to recognising their contribution throughout the week."
Kinship Care Week, which takes place from 5 to 11 October 2026, is a national campaign to celebrate the incredible contribution kinship carers and special guardians make to children and young people every day. The week also aims to raise awareness of the support available to families who take on these important caring roles.
Across Cumbria, around 650 children are currently living in kinship care arrangements, with a further 60 children and families undergoing assessment. These arrangements help children stay connected to their families, communities and support networks, often preventing them from entering the care system.
To mark the week, buildings across the county will be illuminated in blue and yellow, the recognised colours of kinship care, as a visible show of support for kinship families. Landmarks taking part include Barrow Town Hall and Carlisle Civic Centre, helping to raise awareness of kinship care and celebrate the people who make such a significant difference to children's lives.
To celebrate Kinship Care Week, Cumbria Fostering's Kinship Care Team is hosting a range of events across the county, offering opportunities for carers to connect with others, access support and celebrate the difference they make.
Monday 5 October
- Coffee Morning, Barrow-in-Furness, 10am to 11.30am
- Play Space (0 to 5 years), Carlisle, 1pm to 3pm
Tuesday 6 October
- Play Space (0 to 5 years), Whitehaven, 1pm to 3pm
Wednesday 7 October
- Online Support Group, 5.45pm to 6.30pm
Thursday 8 October
- Coffee Morning, Kendal, 10am to 11.30am
- Kinship Care Week Celebration Lunch, Wigton, 11am to 2pm
Friday 9 October
- Workington Kinship Care Support Group Launch, 10am to 12pm
- Coffee Afternoon, Penrith, 1pm to 3pm
For details of support on offer for kinship families in Cumbria and full event details and to book a place, email SGOsupport@cumbria.gov.uk.
Residents are encouraged to learn more about kinship care, share information about available support and help raise awareness of the invaluable contribution made by kinship families.
Find out more at https://kinship.org.uk/get-involved/kinship-care-week/