Kinship carers living in North East Lincolnshire today sat down with a Government Minister today to talk about the Kinship Pilot Zone in the area.
Josh MacAlister OBE MP, Minister for Children and Families, visited the home of Grimsby Town Football Club at Blundell Park in Cleethorpes, to meet Kinship Carers.
The event took place as part of wider celebrations to mark National Kinship Carers Week, running from 5 to 11 October 2026.
Joining the Minister and local kinship carers, was BBC TV Gladiators winner, Josh McDonald, in his role as ambassador for national charity, Kinship, and the Chief Executive of Kinship, Lucy Peake.
Kinship care is when a child is looked after by family, close friends, or others already connected to them.
Earlier this year, the Government announced that North East Lincolnshire was chosen as one of seven local authority areas to be part of the Kinship Zone Pilot, offering extra support to carers and families in the area.
Since its launch, North East Lincolnshire Council have approved 328 applications for the financial allowances, benefitting more than 450 children. Before the pilot scheme, at least 74 of these kinship carers weren’t receiving any financial support.
Speaking at the event on Thursday, Children’s Minister Josh MacAlister said:
“Kinship carers step up every day so that children can grow up in loving family homes with networks of people they know, providing stability and a sense of belonging. They often do this at short notice without the chance to plan.
“That’s why we are giving them this support and also investing in Family Network Support Packages to help children remain safely at home, as part of our £2.4 million investment in the Families First Partnership programme.
“It was a pleasure to meet kinship carers in Grimsby and hear how this support is making a real difference to their lives and the lives of children they are caring for.”
Ann-Marie Matson, Director of Children’s Services in North East Lincolnshire added:
“I’m so proud that we’ve been able to come together today to celebrate our kinship carers, and the team that have supported them under the Kinship Zone Pilot.
“The immense work that has gone into mobilising this Pilot quickly in our area has meant that no kinship carer or child has missed out on support.”
“The work that kinship carers do to support children is so important. We know that if a child gets the right support early in their life, they are more likely to succeed into adulthood. That’s why it’s so important that we get it right for kinship carers.
“I’d like to thank the Minister for taking the time to come to Grimsby today to hear from our local kinship carers and officers about how the Kinship Zone Pilot has been rolled out, and how it is supporting them.”
BBC Gladiators champion Josh MacDonald, Kinship Ambassador and kinship carer, said:
“It was a privilege to meet kinship carers in North East Lincolnshire to share our kinship care experiences. Kinship carers take on an enormous responsibility for children they love, and they deserve recognition and support to help them succeed.
“I know first-hand how confusing and challenging being a kinship carer can be and the huge sacrifices you have to make. My life changed instantly when I stepped up to take care of my younger brother Max. I did it in a heartbeat because I love my brother and wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be a Kinship Ambassador and have the opportunity to meet with the Minister to shine a light on kinship care and the support that kinship families like mine need.”
Lucy Peake, Chief Executive of Kinship, said:
“Kinship carers provide loving, stable homes for children every day, often after stepping into the role unexpectedly and often with little support. It was fantastic to meet with kinship carers, local leaders and the Minister during Kinship Care Week to hear how life-changing the support is in North East Lincolnshire.
“We’re proud to work in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council to strengthen support for kinship families in the area.”
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