Welcome.


Hi everyone and welcome to Bristol Grandparents Support Group blog. Although we are Bristol based we have grandparents from all over the UK and beyond as members.

It is estimated that over one million children in the UK are denied contact with their grandparents due to family breakdown which may have been caused by divorce/separation, alcohol/drug dependency,domestic violence,bereavement or family feud.
Every child has the right to have contact with their grandparents
if they wish and unless proven unsafe for them to do so. To deny contact from a parent or grandparent has to become as socially unacceptable as drink driving.
I hope to keep you up to date with what is going on in BGSG and I shall continue to campaign for the rights of children to have a loving and meaningful relationship with both parents and their extended family. So please join in as good to hear your views, not just mine!
I also will support via Skype.
There is no membership fee to be part of Bristol Grandparents Support Group.
Esther Rantzen says, " To every grandparent, links of love can never be broken in our hearts."

Please contact during office hours.
07773258270


Saturday 29 December 2012

UK scandal on family breakdown

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20863917

Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

24,000 visitors to the blog.

Just want to thank everyone who has visited Bristol Grandparents Support Group Blog as we have now had just over 24,000 hits!
I hope that the blog is giving the support it was intended to do and it  keeps people up to date with what we are all up to.
Many thanks again and I wish you all a very Happy and Hopeful New Year.
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Thursday 27 December 2012

The hardest decision a parent can make, but its for the children.

We will probably never know the true figure of how many children are apart from one of their parents, as thousands of parents make the hardest decision in their lives to back off. Therefore these are hidden statistics because these families do not get recorded through court etc.
That is not because a father or mum doesn't love their children or that they don't care about them anymore, quite the reverse, but for them and their own unique circumstances, they are acting in their 'children's best interest.' It is the hardest decision any parent can make, there are no words to explain the utter grief this causes the parents.
They are not feckless, as the media will sometimes report, but parents who know that their children need to be able to get on with their life, they need to grow and develop as young people, they do not want them to be involved in continuing conflict between mum and dad, to be involved in court proceedings etc.
The same applies to grandparents, a member of the judiciary said to me recently, that this was a small problem as not many grandparents apply for contact orders. It does not mean that it is a small issue, it means that the majority of grandparents make the decision not to go to court, for the same reasons as parents not going to court.
As a society, what on earth are we doing, parents having to go to court to see our own children?
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk





Tuesday 25 December 2012

Never, never give up.

A very Happy Christmas to everyone parted from a loved one again this year, you are in my thoughts.
If you have just a few moments and as yet not looked at this please do, a message of hope for us all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxxLe1Up9nQ&feature=share
As Aimee says in her message never give up, alienated children are aware and they will find you.
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Saturday 22 December 2012

Message from Canadian Grandparents Rights Association.

I received this prayer this morning from Canadian Grandparents Rights Association, for our Tree of Hope:
Tree of Hope for all grandparents everywhere who are unable to see or be with their grandchildren, and continue to WAIT.
GOD of PEACE, Relax the tensions of my body...Still the anxieties of my mind... Calm the storms of my heart... Give me the courage to wait...Let peace flow in me, through me, from me... The deep deep peace of God. Amen.    Merry Christmas,  Warmest wishes,  Daphne Jennings  CGRA Canada

Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Thursday 20 December 2012

Grandparent Reunited, Never give up.


We all know that christmas is a particularly difficult time for grandparents and grandchildren denied contact.
I wanted to share with you a positive story.

"For years I had such a terrible time not being able to see them but thankfully the love and care we gave the Grandchildren in their early years sustained them. My oldest Grandchild will be ...  on boxing day and has regular contact with me ,he also assists  me with seeing the youngest one. Unfortunately contact with the middle child is still difficult, but two out of three is not bad.
Please put on your  tree of hope never give up because the Grandchildren miss you as much as you miss them and one day they will come back to you."

Jane

Tuesday 18 December 2012

Beautiful One I Adore........

I am a member of Gospel Generation Community Choir and we have just finished our Christmas concerts. One of the songs we sang is so appropriate for parents and grandparents unable to see their children and grandchildren, so this is for them all
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejd-a6bO5lE&feature=youtu.be
Jane

Wednesday 12 December 2012

Tuesday 11 December 2012

Why Grandparents Need Support.


Thank you so much for the kind words you have been sending us. If I ever doubt whether we are giving the correct support, I will read these. 




“A very big "Thank you" to Jane Jackson and her husband for all that they do for Bristol Grandparents Support Group, not only for their kindness and hospitality but also for the part they are playing in changing attitudes to parenting and grand parenting - remarkable progress during last five years, thanks a million ! “

“Thank you so much for the support you give. Without your group, I think that many grandparents would go under.”

“Until yesterday I had never spoken to anyone who had suffered similar agonizing grief. Friends can be very kind but there is a limit to how much they can take of your grief before their eyes glaze over and the jolly invites begin to dwindle.
           Yesterday I met and heard people talk about their experiences and I was stunned by the fact that we all have the same feelings and the same grief no matter what event actually triggered off the alienation. I am not the only person who lives in a state of total bafflement, grief and feeling of helplessness.
            I am so glad that I was able to make contact with you after your appearance on 'Inside Out West' and that I came to the meeting yesterday. The support group allowed me to feel that I am not alone and that there are people who are working hard to increase public awareness of the damage such emotional cruelty does to so many people, not least the very grandchildren for whom we all grieve.
           Thank you for your devotion to this group. I will see you at the next meeting.”

“I had been left with a huge hole in my heart not being able to see my grandchildren, as I love them so much. Before I met Bristol Grandparents Support Group , on the surface I was functioning but inside, my emotions were raw. I felt ripped apart it didn’t leave me, I woke weeping everyday.
Meeting Jane, prevented my feelings getting any darker, listening to others in the same  situation. What was important was that the environment created by Jane as Marc, felt safe as the womb. Warm, friendly, knowing exactly what it feels like at every stage, caring, sensitive and managed in a professional way without formality. The group gives me a feeling of acceptance, because all the grandparents in this situation suffer the feeling of shame and failure as well as the pain, longing and regret. Everyone there knows all these feelings. Listening to others stories in a completely open, safe environment means that you learn to cope. I have heard some situations that are worse than mine which gives a sense of balance and hearing positive news when some grandparents are reunited gives me real hope, which in itself is healing.
After a meeting, I feel I can cope a bit better until the next meeting. When the next meeting is due, I really feel I am beginning to wear thin and feel more desperation and hopelessness and am screaming inside for help. I can’t see any service in the NHS that can compare with the well-being that is created by the group. Jane and Marc offer their own home, to anyone, and it costs nothing.”
Although the group consists of people from all walks of life, the atmosphere is always the same all through the seasons. Relaxed, calm, warm, healing, uplifting,lts ike coming home really. The feeling of support is really strong and powerful. It is empowering. Thank you.”

www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Saturday 8 December 2012

Messages are growing!

2012 Tree of Hope.


If you want me to post your message to your grandchildren and add it to the tree, email me.
Jane

Thanks Again.

Many thanks to everyone who attended the meeting yesterday, it was good to be able to welcome so many new people.
The Tree of Hope was well received and more messages were added. There was a small temporary technical hitch when the lights didn't work, but thanks to Marc all was well.
I have said this before but the support that you give to others ,in particular to new people is wonderful and without it the group would not work.
So a huge thank you to you all.
If any of you are local you might like to know that Gospel Generation Community Choir, of which I am a member, will be singing at St. Edyths Church in Sea Mills on Wednesday 12th at 7:30pm and you would be very welcome.
Thank you all again.
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk


Monday 3 December 2012

Friday Meeting.

A reminder that we have the last meeting of 2012 this Friday, our Tree of Hope will be up for you to write/send your messages to be added.
Look forward to seeing you.
Jane.
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Friday 30 November 2012

Charities warned about interfering in politics?

Another reason why Bristol Grandparents Support Group is not affiliated to any other organisation and does not receive government funding.
I am unsure about this article, as a great deal of charities bring concerns to the public eye and raise awareness  we certainly try to do this, I would love to hear your views.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9711825/Charities-warned-to-stop-interfering-in-politics-by-new-watchdog-chief.html

Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Thursday 29 November 2012

BGSG's Tree of Hope.


As we are fast approaching December a reminder that we will for the 4th year running be having a Tree of Hope in our garden for grandparents,parents and children to come and put their messages on.
It is something that has become a 'tradition' we have children coming year after year asking if they can write to the children who wont be seeing their grandparents at Christmas. Some of the words they write are truly moving.
Thank you to everyone over the years who have helped to fill our tree with love.
If you are unable to come and write your message, email me and I will write it for you and put it on.
This photo was taken just a couple of days of going up last year, as we move closer towards Christmas it fills up.

Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Wednesday 28 November 2012

Children and Poverty.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/nov/28/child-poverty-debate-conservatives-analysis

Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

The response from The Independent is....

A few days ago I shared with you the article in the Independent re domestic violence and the fact that there is no mention of male domestic violence, this is their response:

Dear Jane,

Thank you very much indeed for your email. I’m sure you weren’t the only person who read the piece and came to that view. I’ll certainly bear it in mind in future.

Best wishes,


Tuesday 27 November 2012

Emails.

I am experiencing an issue with the emails on the grandparents website, I have only just discovered that my emails are not getting through.
If you have emailed me via the website please accept my apologies if you haven't received a reply, I am looking into it.
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Film Request.

I have been approached by a student at UWE, let me know if you are interested in taking part.

Subject: SOCIAL GROUPS - University research


Hello there,
My name is Jess Mascilo and I am a second year student at UWE in Bristol, studying Filmmaking and Creative Media.

I am currently in a group, who are producing a documentary about "Loneliness in the City".

At the moment, myself and Josh who I am working with are looking for social groups in Bristol who may have a few members that have felt lonely in the past, and perhaps have a good story to tell.
We are designing an interactive website, where you would click on the person the audience may be interested in, and perhaps a video clip will show up of the person telling us their problems, or a sound clip, or just a paragraph on what they have said.

It would be of great help if you could help us in finding individuals who would be interested in being part of our website, and that don't have a problem in speaking about their experiences.

Thank you very much!

Jess Mascilo



Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Monday 26 November 2012

Tuesday 20 November 2012

Pre-legislative scrutiny of the Children and Families Bll

Listen live.

Pre-legislative scrutiny of the Children and Families Bill 
Witnesses
  1. Mrs Justice Pauffley DBE, Family Judiciary, Mr Justice Ryder, Family Judiciary
  2. Clare Chamberlain, Project Manager, Tri-borough Care Proceedings Pilot, Steve Crocker, Deputy Director (Children and Families), Hampshire County Council, Anthony Douglas, Chief Executive, Cafcass, Bruce Clark, Director of Policy, Cafcass
  3. Ken Anderson, CEO, Families Need Fathers, Paul Apreda, National Manager, FNF Both Parents Matter Cymru

http://www.parliamentlive.tv/Main/Player.aspx?meetingId=11829

Jane.

Monday 19 November 2012

The Role of Grandparents and Mediation.

When parents separate children will often believe it is their fault that it is something they have done, a grandparent is an important person at a time when children feel vulnerable.
A grandparent can reassure at a time of change to ensure the children know they are loved and that they can to talk to their grandparents, when sometimes they find it difficult to talk to Mum and Dad.
It is vital that we understand that the children may be having conflicting loyalties and we must not at anytime 'take sides' that way children will be able to talk to us without worrying.
When grandparents find themselves being denied contact, and all lines of communication have broken down you might consider mediation.
Of course mediation needs two parties to agree, mediation is  a safe place for families to try and work towards  decisions that are in the best interest of the children.
You can contact National Family Mediation on T: 03004000636 to find offices in your area.
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk


Friday 16 November 2012

Dads Falsely Accused.

My heart goes out to anyone who has had a false allegation made about them.
This is right up there in the full view of the public eye at the moment, but we know that thousands of Dads and to a smaller extent, Mums, get falsely accused of all sorts of horrendous things, where are the lawyers, PR people, public figures etc telling the public about them, supporting them?
They are the forgotten victims.
In English law it says that 'a man is innocent until proven guilty,' so the onus should be on the accuser to prove the allegation.
I am referring here to false accusations within a family breakdown conflict.
We know that does not happen.
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk




Check your email address.

I have had several emails on the contact us button on the website, where my reply has been returned stating invalid address.
Of course this could be due to the fact that these people as not who they say they are or genuinely people have emailed their incorrect address.
If you have emailed me and not received a reply,as I reply to them all, contact me again.
Make sure that your email address is correct.
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Tuesday 6 November 2012

Small Steps but in the right direction.

I keep reading so much negativity since yesterdays announcement from a variety of groups, and ok its not perfect, but it is a small step forward, if resident parents continue to deny contact then they can have their passports, driving licenses, etc confiscated ,at last a consequence.
I have said it over and over again but we are looking for a cultural shift in the way that parenthood is looked at, denying contact has to be as socially unacceptable as drink driving.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/9656507/Absent-fathers-to-get-legal-right-to-spend-time-with-their-children.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2228410/Access-law-change-means-children-legal-right-parents-divorce.html




Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupport group.co.uk

Friday 2 November 2012

Shared Parenting Consultation to be published.

I understand that the Government is intending to publish the response on the Shared Parenting Consultation and their response on Monday Nov 5th.
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Friday 26 October 2012

Link to Radio Bristols Breakfast .

As promised link to Radio Bristol Breakfast programme, the interview is about 34 mins from the beginning.
It is only online for 7 days!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00zcw06
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

What are we doing to the children?


This morning I sat through a 2nd reading of a private members draft Bill on FAMILY JUSTICE (TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND COST OF LIVING) .
It began at 9:30am and finished around 2pm!
I find it astonishing to see that so few MP's actually turn up to the House of Commons for readings such as this.
There were 12, but they didn't all stay.
Every MP who spoke pressed the importance of grandparents in children's' lives, providing stability especially when family breakdown occurs.
One MP told of a constituent who is a grandfather.
Grandad had always been very involved in his grandsons life, his daughter and husband split and the daughter went to live with her father (Grandad) and her son.Tragically his daughter died.
It was deemed in the 'child's best interest' to be sent to the other end of the country to live with his Dad. His Dad had seen very little of his son up to this point, had a history and convictions of drug dependancy, and other criminal activities.
The Grandad, has had no contact since.
How can this possibly be in the 'child's best interest,' he is now truanting from school, is disruptive and his general behaviour is cause for concern.
I hear similar cases like this all the time, how can it happen?
Although the guidance is there, time and time again children are being let down by the system that is supposed to be in place to safeguard them.
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Radio Bristol Breakfast this morning.

I was asked to do an interview this morning for Radio Bristol Breakfast show, will put link up when it appears!
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Thursday 25 October 2012

John Hemming MP

John Hemming MP has the 2nd reading tomorrow in Parliament on his Private Members Bill
http://www.john.hemming.name/pmb/family_justice_bill_draft_bill.pdf

Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

The Acid Drip of Parental Alienation.

To those who have not experienced Parental Alienation, the description of the 'Acid Drip' explains it so well.
Acid is corrosive, causes pain, burning, it is damaging and poisonous.
One parent will drip,drip, drip, acid onto the relationship with the other parent, over time the damage is unmeasurable to the child.
To be continually told that one parent is useless and doesn't love you, inflicts pain and burns away at the thoughts of the child.
Eventually poisoning the mind of the child to believing that what they are being drip fed is true.
Children being used as weapons between adults, these children will eventually be adults, able to question this 'Acid Drip.'
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Sunday 21 October 2012

If you missed it, only got today to see it!

Here is the link again
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01ndhz4/Inside_Out_West_15_10_2012/
jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Granddads Hurt Too.

We all know that woman are generally good at talking! We find it easy to be emotional etc, it is not always the same for Granddads.
If you are a granddad and of the same generation as Marc, you may find it hard to share your feelings about not being able to see your grandchildren. He comes from a generation of men who were taught to have a stiff upper lip and to keep your feelings under wraps.
You will have seen how open and honest Marc's feelings were in the programme we did. When I asked him afterwards if he was ok with that being shown he said that if it showed other granddads that it is ok to be sad then it was worth it.
It was worth it, we have had many calls and emails from granddads who want to come to meetings, Marc is always there so it's not all grans!
We both look froward to meeting you all.
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

The Politics Show

Oh and we made The Politics Show as well, in their 60 sec roundup of news!
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Yeovil Contact.

I had an email from a grandparent in Yeovil, I replied straight away but it keeps being returned even though I replied to sender, if it is you can you contact me again please.
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Common Denominator.

Since the programme on Inside Out West, I have had a huge response from people, all saying "thank goodness I am not the only one."
If you haven't seen it on iplayer, you only have until tomorrow as it is only there for 7 days.
Not only have I heard from grandparents but also from non resident parents, the common denominator is that we are being denied contact with children and grandchildren.
I really would like to see all groups working together, to be able to pool are experiences and skills would be a very positive move.
I was accused this week of always saying that grandparents should not go down the legal route.
There are several things that I need to say, firstly when you take part in any programme or do articles, the editors always edit the content so I have no control at all of the end result.
We spend days filming or talking for probably just a few minutes.
Also it is purely my person view that the legal route has its pitfalls, the emotional stress, the expense etc, that is not to say that if a grandparent makes that decision of course I support them through that.
It can be the correct decision for some and it can be successful, but there are no guarantees.
As said in the programme, it does seem ridiculous in this day and age that we are even discussing the need for people to have to go to court to try and gain contact with their children or grandchildren.

Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Saturday 20 October 2012

Dates for 2013.



Dates for  Meetings 2013.

Friday Feb 1st 2pm
Friday April 5th 2pm ( AGM)
Friday  June 14th 2pm
Friday August 2nd 2pm
Friday October 11th 2pm
Friday December 13th 2pm.



Jane

Next Meeting.

The next meeting is on Friday December 7th at 2pm, this will be the last one this year.
Over the last 5 years we have had a Christmas tree in the garden for grandparents to come and write messages on, this year we hope to have it up in time for the meeting.
It is great to watch the tree fill up as we get nearer to Christmas Day, a little bit of brightness and a symbol of hope.
If you unable to come and visit the tree in person you can always emil me your message and I will put it on for you, but I will post a reminder a bit nearer the time.
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk


Wednesday 17 October 2012

Shared Parenting link

Apologies have had a problem with the link hope this is ok? https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/standard/publicationDetail/Page1/CM-8273

Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Bath Support?

Once again as a result of the BBC programme I have been asked about groups in different areas.
I have had a grandparent in the Bath area who is interested in  meeting others in the area, so please contact me if that interests you.
It is important again for me to reassure you, that any conversation or email I have is in total confidence, and I never have or would give out names or details without written permission.
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Support from a Dad's forum.

I would like to share this with you, a post on a fathers group forum, thanks to joeshmo for giving me permission to post it.:

What a great piece of footage to back up the need for shared parenting.
A very powerful film thats worth emailing to those in high positions.

Its so very easy to get absorbed in our own little world.Our fight to see out children and the rights of our children to see us.
We forget a very big and extremely important third dimension.The Grandparents.

In many case they are even more desperate to see their grandchildren then even the father is.
They love them like they were their own.
Just because in some cases the father does a runner doesnt mean the grandparents don't want to be involved.

What rights do they have.
Jesus we moan about our own situation but these people without their names on the birth certificate and without PR I'm assuming the chance to win contact is zilch.

What I loved about this film was the gender issue got put to one side.

Nasty,evil,abusive,harassing,raping fathers did not feature.
In this film it was both men and women.Brilliant.

I loved the scene in the living room full of just women.Also them complaining about being questioned on harassment and even abduction was surreal.
Come on if we say it who takes any notice however a vunerable grandma,well its just priceless.

The reality is when a woman denies contact she denies contact not only to the father but she is depriving the children of contact with their grandparents also.O and just for good measure theres the great grandparents,uncles,aunties,great uncles,great aunties,1st cousins,2nd cousins etc.
The whole flipping extended family.
Lets see the feminists argue that one.

It would be great if all got to together and fought for 'Family Rights'.The rights of all members of the childs extended family to see those children.

Imagine how powerful a march through london with all these sections of people protesting for shared 

parenting.
On our own a march with fathers would be ignored.With these people plus any mothers out there who believe in a childs right to see its family then thats a very powerful march.

Just to think.
If my son has a child,splits from his partner and is denied access,my ex would be denied access to her grandchild.

The irony.



Jane.


Tuesday 16 October 2012

21,515 hits on the blog!


You might be interested to know there has now been  21,515 hits on the blog to date.
Extraordinary!
Jane

Thank you and a big welcome.

Many thanks to everyone for their response and support over the Inside Out West programme yesterday, and welcome to all the new visitors to the website and blog.
For those of you who have just discovered the blog, this is where I endeavour to try and keep grandparents up to date with things that are going on locally and nationally.
It is also good to hear your points of view as well, so please do comment on the posts. Due to an incident a few months ago, all comments now come to me before they are published, so don't think that your comments have disappeared they are just waiting for me to publish them.

Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Inside Out West BBC programme.


For those of you who have asked this is the link to the programme last night, you need to forward it until about 12 mins before the end.
Thank you all for your support it has been amazing.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01ndhz4/Inside_Out_West_15_10_2012/

Sunday 14 October 2012

Radio Bristol

I am on Radio Bristol tomorrow morning at around 10:30 am.
Talking about the Inside Out West item which is on tomorrow night.
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Saturday 13 October 2012

Shared Parenting, has it been shelved?

As you all know when the final Family Justice Report was agreed ,a consultation process was set up to look at legislating for Shared Parenting and we were told their findings would be published in the Autumn.
Well ,it is Autumn, and I understand that the DoE do not have a date on their books for when this will happen or any info it seems.
This is one of the most important decisions as far as families are concerned this government will make, it is in their hands, to stop this dreadful situation of children being denied their human right to be part of both parents lives.
In reality, I fear that there will be no announcement of any sort in the life of this term of office of this government. It will silently disappear.
Silently disappear,just like thousands of non resident parents are forced to do.
I urge everyone to email,write to their MP's etc and demand an answer to this.
A panel of organisations,charities etc have all been working on this panel, if an organisation representing interested parties are not making a BIG noise about this, they have No right to represent  anyone, it is disgraceful.
I suggest you look at the list of those involved.
Tim Loughton MP who was on the panel was removed in the last reshuffle, he had worked so hard for legislating for Shared Parenting, is that why he is no longer involved?
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Wednesday 10 October 2012

Thank You Mr Cameron and now.....

So pleased to hear Mr Cameron's speech this afternoon.
He spoke fondly of his father saying he was an inspiration to him and that you only realise how important Dads are when they are no longer there.
That is also what the hundreds and thousands of children are screaming at the top of their voices in the UK, the difference being that they are prevented being part of their Dads life because of adult conflict.
So all the children are waiting for you Mr Cameron to legislate for Shared Parenting.
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Monday 8 October 2012

Centre For Social Justice Policy.

http://www.centreforsocialjustice.org.u ... Policy.pdf
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Government must NOW legislate for Shared Parenting.

If the government does not legislate for Shared Parenting now, the opportunity to give children their human right to be part of both parents lives will be gone.
This golden opportunity will, possibly not occur for at least a decade.
A whole generation of our children are growing up estranged from one of their parents, if the government are truly advocates of family life, now is the time.


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2214392/Shocking-CSJ-report-says-half-children-parents-separate.html

Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Tuesday 2 October 2012

Scotland- Dundee Grandparents.

I am aware that there are grandparents in Scotland in particular Dundee who are looking for support.
Please contact me if you are in that area.
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentsupportgroup.co.uk

Sunday 30 September 2012

Meeting Friday.

Just a word of warning to those of you intending to come to the meeting on Friday at 2pm, there is no access to our road due to Bristol Water and their mains work.
So give yourselves a little more time, for finding somewhere to park.
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Saturday 29 September 2012

BBC Inside Out West

I wrote last week about filming for a programme and  as promised now have a date, it is to be aired on Oct 15th at 7:30pm ( pretty sure it is 7:30pm!).
Many thanks again to Charlotte Leslie MP for the extra filming that took place yesterday afternoon.
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Wednesday 26 September 2012

Changes in definitions of Domestic Violence.

Last week the government announced changes in the definition of Domestic Violence, will this see an increase of false allegations to enable more Legal Aid applications?
There is no excuse at all for  proven Domestic Violence in all its forms.
I have put this link to a document you might find interesting.

http://www.centreforsocialjustice.org.uk/client/media/DA%20Full%20report.pdf

Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Tuesday 25 September 2012

Have you ever been effected by a troll?


I am not referring to the little rubber dolls with bright hair that you may have owned  in the 60's, I personally had lots all with different colour hair, but I digress!
I am talking about trolls who trawl the internet. The term troll describes someone who gets pleasure out of writing defamatory comments on online forums, blogs, all forms of social networking.
The troll will join an online forum etc under an assumed name and will make personal and untrue comments about the person who has posted.They can become vicious in their attack.
I myself have been on the receiving end of this abhorrent behaviour as have others I know.
 I often wonder if we met these people face to face how they would behave, would they start being orally abusive. I doubt it, it is the anonymity of the internet that enables them to write such horrendous remarks. They are answerable to no-one.
 Are these people trouble makers in real life?
 At present the law says that the website operator is liable for everything that appears on their site.
 Of course what we might consider to be inflammatory or untrue may not be considered to be so by the website operators.
 Online communication is here to stay, and millions of us are involved in it, 'talking' to people from all over the world in an instant, 'friends' we make online is an amazing thing  to allow users to 'talk' freely is ok, but I do think that there is a need for moderation.
 Many people are being hurt by mindless people who seem to delight in seeing people suffer.
 The majority of users are thoughtful, sensitive and valued members of the internet, they need to be protected.



Sunday 23 September 2012

How much should I say?

As a grandparent it is important to know when to offer advice and not.
Only offer advice if you are asked, never do the , "Don't you think you should do this, that and the other,when I had my children I did this," nothing more irritating to parents!
The point is that you are talking about your children, not theirs.
So often, family fall outs happen because someone oversteps the mark.
We must allow our children to make their own mistakes, just like we did, we have been parents the role of grandparents is totally different.
There to give support when required, to have the fun but not the responsibility!
Rule of thumb, think your own thoughts, don't speak them.
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Thursday 20 September 2012

Thanks for taking part.

Thank you to the grandparents involved in the filming of  BBC programme today and thanks also to Charlotte Leslie MP.
The programme is due to be aired in October I will let you know the date when I have it.
I know only to well how emotionally draining it is, it is a time for reflection for us all when being asked such personal questions.
My thanks also to Kath and Steve for their sensitivity.
Jane.
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Monday 17 September 2012

More Filming.

We and several members of the group will be filming with the BBC this week, I will give you all the details when it is completed,so watch this space.
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Sunday 16 September 2012

Peace One Day.

We often find ourselves in the position of being denied contact with our grandchildren because of conflict.
Family conflict that can be so damaging to everyone, but most importantly to the children who are caught up in waring factions that is nothing to do with them, and is out of their control, but it impacts their lives so seriously.
On September 21st it is One Peace Day, it calls for everyone who is fighting in any way to cease for a day.
It is a global call, from countries at war with one another to families who are fighting, a day to STOP.
http://peaceoneday.org
If  you can stop for one day, you can stop for the other 364 days a year.
Please join the campaign.
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Wednesday 12 September 2012

If you are a "Newbie."

Just a bit of history, for those of you who are just reading this blog,for the first time.
I set this group up in 2007 when I lost contact with my granddaughter as a result of my sons divorce.When contact with all of us was stopped.
We had been part of her life for 7years and the heartbreak for us all was devastating.
I felt I had to somehow turn this negative into a positive and so Bristol Grandparents Support Group started to slowly take shape.
So 5 years on and over 20,000 hits on the blog, a website devoted to the group and regular support group meetings and countless telephone calls from distressed grandparents, the group has now gained its own momentum, with grandparents offering support themselves.
It is worth mentioning though, that this is not a big 'corporate' group at all it is still run by me with support from my husband,and a group of trustees.
The meetings are held in my home , so if you do contact me can you please do so during 'office' hours, if I am not around leave a message and I will return your call as soon as I can. I have had occasions where people clearly think they are phoning an office so ring in the early hours of the morning to leave a message!
The group is entirely focussed on the children involved in this and denied contact issues.
We are not affiliated in any way to any other charity or organisation, we do not get government funding.
We are truly independent.
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk


Tuesday 11 September 2012

Hemel Hemstead Support?

And if you are in this area would be good to hear from you, if you feel you could offer support?
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Chester Support plea?

Is there anyone out there near Chester who would be willing to lend a listening ear and to support a grandparent?
Let me know if you feel you can.
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Sunday 9 September 2012

20,110 hits!!!!!!!

How extraordinary the stats say that we have now had over 20,000 hits on this blog!
Good grief!
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Link to Songs of Praise.

If you want to see the Songs of Praise programme it is on iplayer.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01mm6w8/Songs_of_Praise_Grandparents/

Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Hope Poem


HOPE.
All I have is hope,
From day to day,
I believe it helps me to cope,
From day to day.

I listen to others,
I try to support,
Grandparents , Dads, Mums, Sisters and Brothers.,
I try to support.

How to mend these broken hearts?
For you tears I cry,
Our souls fly to other parts,
For you tears I cry.

Do I have the answer to this sadness,
Families should love,
We must stop this madness,
Families should love.

We will all stand together,
For the children,
At one for ever,
For the children.

For now , all we have is hope,
Give us strength, to fight on,
Hope, to hold you one more time, hope,
Give us strength to fight on.
Jane Jackson.



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