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CAMP TO SUPPORT GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN

In what is thought to be a first for the region, Presbyterian Support’s Family Works branch is organising a three-day camp for grandparents raising grandchildren. Twenty-three grandparents and their 23 grandchildren children are expected to attend the camp, to be held at Living Springs from April 7-9.

“It will provide activities for the children and time out for the grandparents while the children are looked after by volunteers,” says organiser Norma Pheasant. The grandparents are members of the Grandparents as Parents support groups she runs in Christchurch

Around 4,500 grandparents in New Zealand find themselves in the difficult situation of becoming parents all over again – to their grandchildren. It is not by choice, and can be the cause of considerable stress – financial, emotional, social and physical. The children have often been put in their care because the parents are unable to take care of them. With the children come legal, medical, schooling and accommodation costs at a time when many grandparents have retired and downsized their homes. Many are unaware what assistance they are entitled to and struggle to cope.

The Grandparents as Parents groups meet monthly in Hornby, Spreydon, Wainoni, Bryndwr and the Campbell Centre in central Christchurch. The groups offer an opportunity for people in a similar situation to share their experiences, access services, and listen to guest speakers addressing concerns and providing information.

“We couldn’t do without this support,” say one couple. “We’ve learnt a lot. You can unburden yourself. Other people don’t want to know – friends drop off because they do things in the evening, but we’ve got children.”

Presbyterian Support is seeking sponsorship to help fund the camp.