Kingston Carers' Network

Celebrating 30 years of supporting unpaid carers in Kingston

A carer is someone of any age who provides unpaid support to family or friends who could not manage without this help. Kingston Carers’ Network (KCN) are the expert provider of independent information, support and advocacy to over 3,600 adult carers and nearly 800 young carers in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames.

"Carers deserve to be identified, valued
and celebrated for what they do and it
is our purpose to support them."

Carers often make huge sacrifices in terms of their own physical, mental and financial wellbeing. KCN has developed a range of services to meet the holistic needs of our adult carers.

Our model of support aims to meet the five outcomes of the National Carers' Strategy

Carers will be…

• Not financially disadvantaged
• Mentally and physically well; treated with dignity
• Recognised and supported as an expert care partner
• Enjoying a life outside caring
• Children will be thriving, protected from inappropriate caring roles

By offering one to one support, a thriving fitness and wellbeing programme, support groups, counselling and Carers Assessments, KCN ensure that carers are able to live their best life.

Young carers are among the most disadvantaged children in our community with many experiencing poverty, poor physical and mental health and lower academic attainment, particularly in the aftermath of Covid-19, the cost-of-living crisis and limited resources in local authority and health budgets leading to less support. 

BEING A YOUNG CARER IS NOT A
CHOICE: IT’S JUST WHAT WE DO
Carers Trust Report, 2023

We provide:

• information and advice, including 1-to-1 support
• opportunities to meet other young carers
• fun activities, outings and breaks away from home
• regular drop ins
• awareness raising of the needs of young carers, particularly in schools
• advocacy and whole family support
• quarterly newsletter

Respite breaks are very important for young carers, to have time away from their caring responsibilities, but they also provide “reachable, teachable moments” to ensure they have the skills and tools they need for positive life outcomes. YCP takes these opportunities to effect beneficial change. Last year, we provided 2,609 individual respite breaks at 214 activities.

To find out more about Kingstons Carers' Network, become a supporter, or find out information as a carer, please visit their website

The community display case is available to Royal Borough of Kingston’s residents, artists, makers, community groups and local schools.

This is a great way to showcase your artwork, project or organisation. Each display typically stays up for a month, and the case is located in the heart of Kingston Museum.

If you wich to submit an exhibition idea please fill out this form