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A powerful short film revealing what growing up in kinship care is like was premiered by Kinship at a celebratory screening in Hackney, London, on Tuesday 18 March.
Young Londoners with firsthand experience of kinship care used their voices and experience to co-create the striking animation which explains what it means to be raised by a relative or family friend when their parents are unable to care for them. They hope it will increase awareness and reassure children in kinship care that they are not alone.
The Kinship Young Champions’ film project funded by BBC Children in Need highlights the 141,000 children in kinship care in England and Wales – that’s double the number in foster care – and describes the highs and lows they face as they adjust to their new lives.
The film also shows that kinship families and young people need increased access to support to help them deal with the trauma, separation and loss many children have experienced before coming into kinship care.
The Government’s National Kinship Care Ambassador, Jahnine Davis, joined the young people behind the project and their proud kinship carers and families for the celebratory launch at The Castle Cinema.
Young filmmaker Ollie, 14, who is being raised by his 74-year-old nan, said: “I loved getting involved in this project to create a film to spread awareness and show kids and kinship carers that although it can be hard growing up in kinship care, you can get through it.
“I think kinship carers should get more finance and help so that they can give their kinship kids more opportunities, whether that’s in education, or a treat every now and again.
“Beforehand I did not have a clue what kinship care was but taking part in the project has helped me to get a better understanding. My nan is really helpful and it’s nice having a family figure in my life. It’s really important.”
Ki, 19, who has been living with his uncle and aunt said: “We want the film to raise awareness among children and young people in kinship care who may not know what kinship care is. We also want to encourage the Government to make positive change happen for kinship families.
“Kinship children and young people need support, and we want to let them know that they don’t have to face this journey on their own and that it’s going to be OK.
“Helping to make this film has been a great experience, it’s been interesting, positive and fun and I am really proud of what we’ve created.”
At the screening Jahnine Davis told the young people: “What I’ve seen tonight is absolutely amazing. I was in kinship care as a child and the film shows so many different emotions and experiences that I encountered. Know that your voices and experience do truly matter and know that I am here to advocate for your needs and experiences. You are seen, you are heard and you’re certainly not alone.”
CEO of Kinship, Lucy Peake said: “We hope that this brilliant film produced by these talented young people in kinship care will help to highlight what it’s like to be raised in kinship care.
“This unique project has brought together young people in kinship care to share their experiences, connect with other young people and create a compelling film which shows the ups and downs of their lives. We hope it will help to reassure other children and young people growing up with a relative or family friend that while it can be tough at times, it can also give them the love and security they need.
“We know from our research that there are kinship children in every school playground who have been through trauma, such as separation and loss, but whose needs are being overlooked and ignored.
“We celebrate the achievements of the Young Champion’s project and remain committed to providing opportunities to young people in kinship care to share their experiences with decision-makers to increase understanding of their unique needs and the lack of support.”
