Bristol Grandparents Support Group Blog

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."

www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Please contact during office hours.

07773258270

Sunday, 12 June 2011

Set up a support group?

I have been asked recently about independent support groups for grandparents around the country.

As you know I am based in Bristol, but grandparents contacting me are from one end of the country to another,one of the most important things is that you are able to talk to and if possible meet people who are denied contact themselves. Listening to others makes you realise that you are not alone, and you can share your feelings and experiences in a non threatening atmosphere.

I have always thought that the hardest part is picking up the phone or clicking that send button, when you have done that its much easier.

I have also been asked "why independent?"

It was very important for me, that I was able to be free to write and say what I want, rather than be part of any organisation, who might have a hidden agenda, be it political or economic, (being part of an organisation that pays your wages is very different than doing something because you want,need or are you are asked to.)

If you would like to set up a support group in your area, I would be very happy to help you.

Jane.

Thursday, 9 June 2011

Feedback please.

Feedback of new website would be great.

Click here

Jane

Wednesday, 8 June 2011

Another Year

The sky is blue above,

As I shed tears of love.

The sun still shines,

Memories of happier times.

With every beat of our hearts,

Oh, so far apart.

The sun will shine for you,

Our love for you always true.

Your special day, full of fun and treats,

Until , soon when we meet.

Here is a wish ,a kiss, a hug,

Winging its way , just for you.

Gran and Grandpa.xx

Tuesday, 7 June 2011

Happy Birthday Darling.

June 8th 2011 .

A special day, our granddaughter is 11 years old, now 4 1/2 years since we saw her.

Have a fab day Darling.

Gran and Grandpa.x

Monday, 6 June 2011

Children have the chance to have their voices heard.

https://survey.euro.confirmit.com/wix4/p679354057.aspx

Children have got their own online survey to get their voices heard on the Family Justice Review.

Sunday, 5 June 2011

A step too far?

Good meeting this week, several new people.

Sometimes it is very difficult to make sure that you don't get too involved, I was asked to contact someone on another persons behalf,it is a particularly difficult situation and a very sad one, but I had to say that I was unable to do as I was asked.

Running a support group is by its very nature an emotional thing, we are all going through difficult times, but I try to give support and advice without being judgemental.

Our situation generally has been caused by some sort of conflict and I am unable to become a mediator, even if my heart wants me to my head shouts at me that I can't!

I care for each and everyone who is denied contact, and the children who are caught up in adults conflict and control.

Jane

Wednesday, 1 June 2011

Waterloo Road Grannies 4 Justice!

Well I have just watched BBC Waterloo Road, and the storyline line was of twins who had been brought up by their Gran, but Mum was back on the scene and went to court to get a Residence Order, she succeeded and Gran was going to be stopped seeing the Twins.

It showed the distress caused to the girls who were struggling with having to choose between Mum and Gran.

It was good to see the BBC brought it to the correct conclusion with Mum and Gran talking to each other and sorting it out for the girls.

Well Done BBC.

A lesson for us all, maybe?

Jane