“Nobody was listening”

A peer research project exploring the experiences of kinship carers in Gateshead and South Tyneside and their recommendations to overcome unmet need.

This report describes a Peer Based Research training programme and research project led by First Contact Clinical (FCC) which was conducted during the winter and spring of 2012-13.

The focus of the research was specifically peer based to enable the voice and experiences of Kinship Carers in Gateshead and South Tyneside to be heard and documented. Those interviewed had diverse care arrangements and varied experience of accessing support. We requested the Family and Friends Care Policies from each local authority to inform the study but did not interview any professionals regarding specific locality practice issues.

The project was funded by The Big Lottery as part of VONNE’s Policy and Representation Partnership. The funding aims to help organisations influence Local Authority policy (Family and Friends Care Policies in Gateshead and South Tyneside) and affect change to support and highlight, in this case, kinship care.