On this page

Who this is for

The person who fed you through university. A friend's widowed mother, now that the friend has gone. A church elder. A former nanny. A colleague who stayed when you left. The relationships that carry obligation without a word for it, and that a form asking for "relationship to member" cannot hold.

How it works

  • The plan is for them. They meet the Kinship team, and their Kinkeeper by name once visits start, and nothing is arranged behind their back.
  • You chip in. Any amount, monthly or one-off. Others can join you, or not.
  • You see what they agree to share. Visit updates go to the people the member has chosen; health details stay theirs unless they say otherwise.
  • They can stop. The plan is theirs to keep, change or end; your contribution is yours to keep, change or end.

Having the conversation

  • Lead with why it matters to you, not with what they need.
  • Offer the smallest useful thing first: the plan on its own, with a call every month, or one visit a month.
  • Make clear it is for them. Many people who would refuse charity welcome help that is set up around them.
  • Do not involve their relatives unless they want you to. This is between you and them.

Questions people ask

Will Kinship ask how we are related?

No. Kinship does not ask how you are related.

Can I do this without their family knowing?

Yes. The member decides who sees updates. If they want their family involved, they invite them.

What if their family objects later?

The plan belongs to the member, and the member decides. Kinship follows the member.

Looking after a brother, sister or friend

If this is your situation, the page below shows how a Kinship Plan applies to it, with prices.

Looking after a brother, sister or friend

Related

Sources

  1. Kinship Supporter Terms

Prices in naira are quoted with their date because they move. Where a figure comes from a commercial provider, the source is described rather than named, and nothing on this page recommends a provider.

This page is information, not advice. Kinship wrote it from the sources listed above and checked it on the date shown. It is not medical, legal, financial or insurance advice, and it does not take account of any one person's circumstances. Decisions about treatment belong with the person and their doctor; decisions about money, insurance or immigration with the person and a qualified adviser. Our platform terms apply.