A NEW Kinship Connector and Family Link worker has been appointed at Blackie River Community Group.
Kinship care is when a child or young person lives with a relative or close family friend when they can no longer live with their parents. It helps children stay connected to their family, community and important relationships while receiving the care, love and stability they need.
While caring for a child can be incredibly rewarding, it can also bring new responsibilities and challenges. Kinship carers often find themselves navigating changing family circumstances while providing a loving and secure home.
The Kinship Connector service at Blackie River Group, funded by the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (BHSCT), has been established to provide support, information and opportunities for kinship families across the Greater Falls area.
Angela Kennedy has been appointed as the new Kinship Connector and Family Link worker. She brings ten years of experience as a Family Support Worker and is passionate about supporting children, young people and families. Angela will work closely with kinship families, offering a listening ear, practical guidance and help to access local services, resources and opportunities.
Every family's journey is unique, and the service is designed to help families feel supported, connected and valued within their community.
Angela said: "I'm delighted to take on this new role and look forward to getting to know kinship families across the Greater Falls area. Kinship carers play such an important role in the lives of children and young people, and I'm excited to support families in whatever way I can."
Alongside one-to-one family support, the Kinship Connector service will offer programmes, workshops, activities, coffee mornings and support groups. These will provide opportunities for carers to meet others with shared experiences, access information and advice, and build supportive connections within their local community.
At a recent Kinship Coffee Morning at Blackie River Group, one carer said: "This is a vital resource. I love having the opportunity to meet other carers who understand what you are going through and to feel part of a supportive community."
Angela was also named BookTrust's Story Sharer Award winner in 2025, recognising her commitment to supporting children and families through reading and storytelling.
Kinship carers provide children with love, security and a sense of belonging. The Kinship Connector service is here to walk alongside families, helping them access support, make connections and build on the strengths that already exist within their homes and communities.
If you are a kinship carer in the Greater Falls area and would like to find out more, please get in touch with Angela at Blackie River Group on 028 9031 9634.
