You ARE the EXPERTS.

There has been huge interest in setting up of local groups, if you are thinking "I could do that." Get in touch.

If you hear people say things like,"You need training it needs to be an expert," don't let it put you off.

As far as being an expert is concerned, we ARE the experts, because we are going through this heartbreaking situation. We are the ones who know exactly how others are feeling, that is not something that can be taught, you just know.

Most people have the capacity to listen, to be non-judgemental and to empathise.

Support can be done over the phone or email, you don't have to hold meetings.

I was asked about how to run a meeting.

As I have written on the website, the group needs to be run by its members, ask them in what direction they want to go in, what they want out of the group. They need to be informal, non-threating just like minded people getting together,sharing their stories and supporting each other.

Of course when you are talking to someone, you only hear one side of the story, but you have to take them at face value, we are not in the blame-game.

There are of course some do's & don'ts .

: Never give out any details, names, contact details to anyone. Without their permission.

: Never talk to media about a situation that may well be going through legal proceedings.

: Never use your grandchildren's names to media etc.

: Never give out photos of grandchildren to media.

: Anything that is said to you is confidential, if you have meetings start by saying that anything that is said within that meeting is also confidential.

: Do produce cake at meeting!!!!!!!

It is a SUPPORT group, nothing more nothing less.

As I keep harping back to is, when a grandparent rings (which in itself is the most difficult step) they all say, "thank goodness, I thought I was the only one."

So give it thought, and ask me if you think it is something you would like to do.

Jane

www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk