Our Beneficiaries
Children
Kinship children are raised by relatives or close family friends because their birth parents are unable to care for them. Many start in foster care before moving into a more permanent home with extended family or friends.
While younger children may not notice the difference, older children often struggle with feelings of abandonment and may display challenging behaviours. Helping them feel “normal” is a vital role for kinship carers.
Harry’s Story: “When Harry was told he’d be going to Kinfest and meeting other children living with relatives instead of their parents, he burst into tears and said to his aunt, ‘You mean there are other children like me?’”
Carers
Kinship carers—often grandparents, aunts, uncles, or older siblings—step in to raise children who would otherwise enter the care system. Most have no formal training and face the emotional and practical challenges of raising children from traumatic backgrounds.
J’s Story: “I had to give up my career—my lifelong dream. Along with it went my friends and social life. I didn’t feel friendship again until I came to Kinfest. Now, my best friend is a fellow kinship carer who lives in the same town. I can’t thank Kinfest enough.”
Sharers
Sharers are those who live alongside the kinship child—often the carer’s own children or other relatives. They may have to share space, time, and attention, and sometimes take on caregiving roles themselves. It can be a challenging and isolating experience.
Charlotte’s Story: “I was thrilled to stay close to my niece and nephew, but it wasn’t easy. Space was tight, and our routines clashed. Still, I wouldn’t change it. It made our family stronger.”
What Our Services Offer
Benefits for Children
- Realising they’re not alone in their situation.
- Making friends with peers in similar circumstances.
- Sharing stories and experiences.
- Creating joyful memories with their new family unit.
Benefits for Carers
- Connecting with others who understand their journey.
- Sharing advice and emotional support.
- Watching their children bond with others in similar situations.
- Enjoying a break without judgment.
- Knowing help is available if needed.
Benefits for Sharers
- Meeting others in similar roles.
- Sharing experiences with peers.
- Seeing their parents relax, which helps them relax too.
- Making shared memories with their evolving family.
- Getting one-on-one time with their parents again.
- Taking a break from caregiving responsibilities.
Ashleigh’s Story: “I was nervous about Kinfest, but I was welcomed right away. I met others like me—people who had to share their parents and homes. It was the first time I felt understood. Kinfest made me feel like I wasn’t alone.”
Our Impact
Kinfest has been supporting kinship families for over eight years. Our annual holiday and year-round events now support over 1,000 members caring for more than 1,500 children. For many, Kinfest is their only holiday—a rare chance to relax, connect, and feel seen.
We aim to expand our reach and help even more families—but to do that, we need ongoing funding.