THURROCK has been selected as one of only seven local authorities across England to take part in a landmark national pilot bringing new financial support and improved services to 'kinship' carers. 

Over £126m has been confirmed to support up to 5,000 families across the seven local authorities during the pilot, which will help to support family members such as grandparents, aunts, uncles and family friends who step in to raise a child when their parents cannot.

The three-and-a-half-year pilot will test financial allowances for eligible kinship carers, equivalent to the support foster carers receive, alongside improved guidance, training and therapeutic support. The aim is to strengthen family networks and help more children stay safely within their wider family, avoiding the need to enter the care system. 

As a designated Kinship Zone, Thurrock will work closely with the Department for Education to shape how support is delivered locally and contribute to national learning that will inform future policy decisions. 

Katie, a kinship carer in Thurrock, said: "This support will be life-changing for so many families. I've seen first-hand how kinship care can transform a child's life by giving them a stable, loving home, and a consistent parental figure they can trust. 

"It can be a really difficult and emotional journey when you start as a kinship carer. Having enhanced support will mean carers won't feel so alone and can put more time and energy into what truly matters – helping their child to feel safe, settled and loved." 

Cllr Vikki Hartstean, cabinet member for children's services, education and community safety, said: "We are incredibly proud that Thurrock has been chosen to lead this important national pilot. Kinship carers do extraordinary work, often stepping in at a moment's notice to give children care and stability when they need it most. 

"This new financial support, which will build upon our OUTSTANDING children's services, will make a real difference to families in our community. We are committed to making Thurrock a place where kinship carers feel valued and supported along every step of their journey."

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Thurrock MP Jen Craft has welcomed the new allowance, saying: "It's much too easy to overlook the hard work and kindness of kinship carers, who quietly take over parenting responsibilities for their loved ones.

"Providing kinship carers with this financial allowance will make a real difference, supporting them in the vital work of raising a child.

"I'm so pleased that Thurrock has been chosen for this pilot scheme, which forms part of Labour's mission to give every child the best start in life."