For Grandparents

Where would we be without grandparents?
  • There are 13.5 million grandparents in the UK
  • 60 % of childcare provision is provided by grandparents
  • One in every hundred children is living with grandparents
  • Grandparents save the economy £4 billion per annum (Age Concern report)
  • 20% of grandparents under 60 are also step-grandparents
  • Up to 100 000 children now have their grandparents as prime carers in their lives
 
Grandparents Matter
 
All grandparents play an important role in the lives of their grandchildren. This may be by taking their grandchildren to school, nursery, toddler group, babysitting or just being there to offer practical and emotional support. However for some grandparents this also means that they are the sole carers of their grandchildren. The Grandparents Matter group is for those grandparents who find themselves in this unique situation.
 
The aim of the group is to bring together both grandparents and grandchildren to share experiences, offer support and most importantly have FUN times together.

The Government in its Green Paper "Every Child Matters" recognises the need to put carers at the heart of its approach to improving children's lives where support is needed. In addition, policy makers also need to acknowledge and recognise the role of grandparents and the special relationship that exists between them and their Grandchildren.
 
Raising the awareness of the grandparent's scheme encourages the development of the bond between grandparents and their grandchildren. It also demonstrates the important role that grandparents play in the upbringing of children and the need to support grandparents to ensure that they feel supported and valued for the work that they do.

We would also like to hear from grandparents who are involved in upbringing their grandchildren to share their experiences with those in a similar position.

 
Links to UK based websites for grandparents:
 
http://www.familyonwards.com
A site aiming to help parents and grandparents. Run by therapist Jill Curtis who discusses family issues and problems.
 
http://www.frg.org.uk
Family Rights Group provides advocacy and support for families whose children are involved with Social Services. Grandparent carers are the subject of a special project.
 
http://www.grandparents-association.org.uk
The first UK charity to be devoted to grandparents (founded in 1984). Several useful publications.
 
http://www.postadoptioncentre.org.uk
The Post-Adoption Centre offer advice, support and information to anyone involved in adoption. In 2005 the Centre will be running workshops in conjunction with Grandparents Plus, if you would like father information on these workshops please contact the Post-Adoption Centre  
 
advice@postadoptioncentre.org.uk
 
 
http://www.seniorsnetwork.co.uk
A charity promoting support groups for grandparents deprived of contact with their grandchildren.

http://www.seniorsnetwork.co.uk/grandparents
News, views, features - on all things to do with grandparenting - including grandchildren!

http://www.laterlife.com
In its section on the family, carries a mix of articles: things to do with grandchildren; ideas for presents; caring for grandchildren full time etc.

http://www.seehowtheygrow.com
Aims to help your grandchildren make the best of their childhood, and grandparents to make the best of their life.

http://www.healthinfocentre.org
A website offering a broad range of health and news information to help you and your family live a healthier lifestyle.

http://www.ultimategrandparent.com
Celebrates the relationship of Sir Henry Thornhill (born in 1854) with his grandchildren. Over a period of 15 years Sir Henry sent them over 1000 items of illustrated correspondence.

http://www.ace.org.uk
Age Concern's site. Use the 'search' facility to find information on Grandparent of the Year and Grandparents' Day.