The Western Health and Social Care Trust organized an event at Castle Irvine in Irvinestown to recognize kinship carers from the local area. The gathering took place as part of Kinship Care Appreciation Week.

Kinship carers are relatives or close family friends who care for children when parents cannot. The Trust supports 350 such carers in its area.

Michelle Quigley, Principal Social Worker for the Kinship Service in the Western Trust, stated that the week highlights the commitment of these carers and their role in Northern Ireland's care system.

The Trust held multiple events, including the one at Castle Irvine, to show appreciation for carers who provide stability to children.

This type of care keeps children in family and community networks, supporting their identity, belonging and emotional wellbeing.

Thousands of children live in care across Northern Ireland, mostly in foster arrangements that include kinship placements. The Trust seeks more fostering families from all backgrounds.