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We are excited to welcome you to your first Wokingham Borough Kinship Care newsletter.
Our aim is to strengthen both communication and connection to ensure that information can flow more freely across our kinship community.
Through this newsletter, we hope to support all children and young people in kinship care by making sure you, as their carers, have easy access to the services, resources, and guidance you may need.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all kinship carers who have helped shape the local offer in Wokingham Borough.
We are currently reviewing the survey data you shared with us, and we will provide further updates at the next Kinship Partnership Group meeting at 6pm on Wednesday 8 April (an invite will be sent out closer to the date). We look forward to seeing you there.
 Meet the team from the council
From left to right: Eszter Kovacs, Samantha Manton, Holli Blackburn, Andrea Weston, Jessica Billowes, Amy Hearn and Naomi Bedford.
And last but by no means least, Kate Haran, pictured below, who missed the group photo!
A message from our head of service, fostering and residential care
I’m proud to oversee our fostering community and our in-house residential provisions here in Wokingham.
Having fostering experience myself, I understand firsthand both the incredible rewards and the very real challenges that come with opening your home and heart to a child. That experience shapes the way I lead - with empathy, honesty, and a deep respect for the dedication of our carers and staff.
Every day, I see the difference our community makes in the lives of children and young people, and it’s a privilege to support the people who make that possible.
My role is not just about oversight; it’s about connection. I am committed to ensuring our carers feel heard, valued, and well-supported, and that our residential teams have the tools and encouragement they need to provide safe, nurturing environments.
Together, we are building a strong, compassionate network across Wokingham Borough that puts children at the heart of everything we do. I truly believe that when we work collaboratively and support one another, we create stability, opportunity, and brighter futures for the young people in our care - Holli Blackburn
Kinship peer support
Hello, my name is Keren and I am a Development Officer in Kinship's Peer Support Team.
The team is funded by the Department for Education (DfE) to provide in-person and online peer support groups for kinship carers. All our groups are confidential, safe places for kinship carers to meet other kinship carers in similar circumstances. We listen and give support to each other as well as celebrating kinship care and the children we look after - Keren Beddow
Join our kinship care support group
Every month kinship carers from Reading, Wokingham and Bracknell Forest borough’s meet for a coffee at Wokingham Fire Station.
It’s a chance to meet, listen and support others in similar circumstances.
It’s free to join and tea and coffee is provided.
No need to book but if you’d like more information, email the peer support team or call: 07961 049807
Supported by kinship
We are married, 46 years and counting. We have two children, not really children though as they are 40 and 38 years old!
We are Special Guardians to our grandson who is 13 years old and has ADHD and autism.
We were pretty clueless when he came along but soon had to learn, mainly by experience and we have been supported for most of that time by Kinship (kinship.org).
We now run the group for kinship carers in Wokingham. We hope to see some of you soon - Carol and Paul Wassell
Competition for a Kinship logo
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We’re excited to announce a fun competition for our young people!
We’re on the lookout for a brand‑new, creative kinship logo, and we would absolutely love to see your ideas.
If your young person enjoys drawing, designing, or getting imaginative, this is the perfect chance for them to shine.
Simply send their creations to the contact details listed at the end of this newsletter. One brilliant design will be chosen as the winner - and they’ll receive a £10 Amazon voucher as a thank‑you for taking part!
Send a photo or digital copy of the logo to kinshipcare@wokingham.gov.uk.
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If you want to get in touch or have any ideas for future editions of this newsletter, email the kinship team at kinshipcare@wokingham.gov.uk
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