Grandparent group fighting for rights

GRANDPARENTS facing the heart-rending prospect of not seeing their grandchildren again are being offered support by a new group.

Brenda Roadnight, inspired by her own challenging situation, is starting a South Devon branch of the Grandparents' Association.

Grandparents currently have few rights enabling them to stay in contact with their grandchildren after a parental split.

Brenda, who lives in Torquay, has 10 grandchildren and step-grandchildren, ranging from 22 to three years old, but there is one she has not seen for three years.

She said: "I do believe passionately that it's important for grandparents to be involved in their grandchildren's lives, but the law doesn't recognise that. The law must be changed.

"Just because there's a split in a marriage, the grandparents shouldn't be split from the children's lives.

"My grandchildren and step-grandchildren all know each other and play together, except for the one we don't have contact with.

"We see the others at weekends and holidays and we visit them, so it's heartbreaking that we can't see him. We do a lot of crying and a lot of soul-searching.

"It comes to the point where you have to do something, which is why I'm looking to start this support group. If I can help anyone, even if it's just to listen, that's a start."

Research shows grandparents are increasingly relied on by their children for help with childcare and finances.

It is also proven that teenage grandchildren benefit from advice and support given by grandparents — advice they may not get at home.

The Grandparents' Association is working with other agencies to pressure the Government into recognising the role that members play in their grandchildren's lives.

Brenda added: "I became a volunteer for the association because of my own situation, and I'm now setting up a support group in Torbay.

"It's for grandparents who have no access to their grandchildren. We might start small with a coffee morning, just for a chat, to see how people want to go with it.

"I want people to feel comfortable. I want create an environment where people can make friends and share experiences with other people who are in the same situation.

"But it's important to stress that everything is confidential. Anything that is said will remain private.

"There are lots of Grandparents' Association groups being set up across the country, but the South West is lacking. We do need representation down here, because there really is nothing."

Brenda is aiming to hold a get-together on December 2 at 10.30am. For further information call 01803 323297 or email her at brenda06.r@tiscali. co.uk