As we count down to Young Carers Action Day this coming Wednesday, Kingston Carers’ Network is thrilled to host a special workshop led by acclaimed children’s book illustrator Ana Graça. The brilliant Brazilian-born artist and author of Young Carers in Bunnyland is visiting the UK not only to promote her book but also to connect with young carers, gathering their ideas for a follow-up picture book.

Young carers from Kingston played a vital role in the development of Young Carers in Bunnyland, contributing ideas for illustrations and storyline elements. They even chose the book’s title and named its main character, Honey, a six-year-old young carer. Kingston Carers’ Network proudly hosted the book’s launch at our Dream Big event at Chessington World of Adventures on 2 November last year. Since then, Young Carers in Bunnyland has been a runaway success, selling so quickly that it required a reprint just 19 days after its release!

Accompanying the picture book is a pre-assessment workbook, About Me, designed to help our service—along with Kingston’s Early Help Team—facilitate age-appropriate conversations with our youngest young carers.

Our young carers are incredibly excited to reunite with Ana during her visit from Rio de Janeiro, making the most of this wonderful opportunity to share their experiences and ideas once again.

Kingston Carers Network was delighted to see our friends from the Young Carers Illustrations Project presenting at the Houses of Parliament on Monday, 24 February.

MPs attending the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Young Carers and Young Adult Carers heard about the valuable resources developed with our support. These included the world’s first picture storybook for young carers, Young Carers in Bunnyland, and the pre-assessment booklet, About Me.

Our Young carers from Kingston played a key role in shaping these resources, contributing ideas for illustrations and storylines. They even chose the book’s title and the name of its main character—Honey, a six-year-old young carer.

This work was also featured in a joint report with the University of Plymouth on “Younger Young Carers,” which you can view here. 

We’re incredibly proud of our young carers for their creativity and contributions to these groundbreaking resources!

When a loved one is admitted to a ward it can be a daunting and confusing time for their family, friends and unpaid carers. You may feel isolated and confused, and events may feel out of your control. This session provides a space to meet others in similar situations, get information from the ward to help understand your position and gain general pointers on the importance of self-care and how it can support recovery.

What will I get from the course?:

• Develop a better understanding of the ward, where you’re at and what can happen next
• Learn techniques to lower stress and centre yourself
• Understand what resources are available

Wednesday 5th March, 4pm to 6pm, Springfield Hospital, Trinity Building, Seminar Room 2, SW17 0YF

OR

Tuesday 1st April, 4pm to 6pm, Online.

Contact 020 3513 5818 or recoverycollege@swlstg.nhs.uk

These will take place on the last Friday of every month during our regular Tea & Toast event.

Vilma, our Benefits and Tribunal Representative will be available from 9.30am to 10.30am to answer general benefit-related questions. At 11am, Vilma will be available for a one-to-one session, which can include form-filling or support with specific benefit queries.

Please note: The individual support session at 11am must be booked in advance by emailing benefits@kingstoncarers.org.uk.

Proceeds from the event will be shared between Kingston Carers' Network, Momentum, and other Rotary charities. The more tickets bought mentioning KCN, the greater the support for us so gather your friends, family, and colleagues for a fantastic night out!

🔹 Doors open: 6:30 PM
🔹 First race: 7:00 PM
🔹 Tickets: £25 per person (includes fish and chip supper)

To book, transfer £25 per person to the Rotary Club of Surbiton (Account No: 00403323, Sort Code: 30-98-62) using the reference Surname + Race Night + number of seats. Then, email Toni Twaite (family.twaite@gmail.com) with attendees’ names. No paper tickets will be issued — confirmation will be sent via email.

Join us for a night of racing, fun, and fundraising — all for a great cause!

For more information, contact ikrose@gmail.com.

In 2023, Kingston’s Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) reviewed health at all ages in Kingston.

The draft Kingston Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025-28 sets out the priorities proposed for action across the Kingston Partnership Board using data from the Kingston Joint Strategic Needs Assessment.

The new draft strategy does not cover all aspects of health and wellbeing in Kingston, but a small number of priority areas for the Board to take joint action on. These priorities have been set out in three life stages:
Start Well - birth to 19 years
Live Well - working age adults, 20 to 64 years
Age Well - older adults, 65 years and over

Share your thoughts
You can share your feedback on the draft Kingston Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025-28 by completing the survey on the Kingston Let’s Talk website.

If you are involved in local groups and forums that would like to share their thoughts, please ask them to get involved too.

If you have any questions or if you need the documents in an alternative format, please get in touch by emailing jlhws@kingston.gov.uk OR calling the council’s contact centre on 020 8547 5000 and ask for a member of the Public Health team to call you back.

We’re proud to be supporting Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2025! 

This week is all about challenging misconceptions, breaking down barriers, and celebrating the incredible strengths and talents of neurodivergent individuals. 

Together, let’s create a more inclusive world that understands and champions neurodiversity in all its forms.

From Neurodiversity Celebration Week:

This year we're bringing you more panel discussions than ever before, with inspirational speakers from a range of backgrounds and professions. The discussions will all be focussing on key neurodiversity topics, and aim to educate while inspiring conversations about neurodiversity.

All events are free of charge and open to all. Please do sign up to as many events as you like and share with your networks, so we can all join together in celebrating different minds!

Please note that these events are being recorded, to increase accessibility for all around the world. Links to the recordings will be sent via email post-event, so please make sure you register for the events so that you don't miss out! Find out more...