Siblings United
In an initiative managed by Shaftesbury Young People, Siblings United aims to safely bring together looked after siblings aged 8 -18 who live in separate homes, through the use of holiday activity camps and year-round events.
The camps give the opportunity for siblings to share all the normal daily activities which typically they might do if living in one home. It also provides an opportunity for them to take part in a range of exceptional activities providing shared experiences to strengthen their relationship.
The camps are run by qualified staff and registered volunteers in high quality environments. The first camp opened in August 2008 and was the first of its kind in the UK.
Setting up this service enables much needed contact between siblings, who have endured numerous family separations within the Care System. It offers an important opportunity for siblings to develop a sense of belonging and identity in order to move forward in their lives in a more positive secure and settled manner.
Goals for the programme
- To develop a safe, highly organized and reflective programme camp holiday for young sibling groups living within the Care System, and adoption and kinship care environments in the UK.
- To offer the opportunity for siblings to securely meet and get to know one another in a fun, healthy environment.
- Service users, their networks and representatives will have an essential role in developing the programme and will advise on maintaining these important relationships for the future.
- An advisory group will be created, committed to developing and disseminating this programme and advocating for better care planning on sibling issues.
- The programme will develop relationships with a range of partners who have expertise and interest regarding the welfare of these children, in the areas of adoption and fostering, residential provision, parents and kinship carers.
- The programme will be fully evaluated and lessons learned will be disseminated to professionals and carers.
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TO MAKE A REFERRAL
Tel: Kate Haley or Delma Hughes
020 8875 2386 or
Email:siblingsunited@shaftesbury.org.uk
2008 Camp dates
Sunday 10 – Friday 15 August
Arethusa Venture Centre (Upnor, Kent)
www.arethusa.org.uk
More Information
Read our brochure and more about the importance of sibling realtionships.
Read more about becoming a volunteer and apply here
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