Bob Geldof Revisited.

Several years ago Bob Geldof stood up for Fathers very strongly, it is worth watching this video again, it fills me with despair that the situation has not improved at all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZDBOH2Hdz8
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Chanel 4- Sharing Mum and Dad.

If you missed the Chanel 4 programme called Sharing Mum and Dad here is the link
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/dispatches/4od

A golden opportunity missed, I feel, where were Dads/Mums with NO contact?
A soft option programme.
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup/co/uk

Fathers Groups Deserve Respect.

Do people really understand what it is to be denied contact with your child, whether you are a dad, a mum or a grandparent, it is total devastation.
If you are a parent, who will know the love you feel for your child, you would go to the end of the earth for them, just imagine that one day that child is removed from your life, no more cuddles, no more bedtime stories, no more laughter , no contact, nothing just a huge void of emptiness.
How would you react?
Fathers groups in particular,  get sidelined, when consultations on family justice reforms are held, they don't count, they get bad press constantly.
They are painted as the 'bad' guys, feckless, men who stand outside buildings shouting through loudhailers , have you ever given them time to ask why they do these things?
Its very simple, they are dads who are hurting so badly they are desperate, all they want is to be part of their child's life.
Of course they are angry, they know that their children are growing up every day without them.
Wouldn't you be angry?
These groups are fighting for their children, they deserve respect.
So the next time you see a report on TV about dads protesting, don't switch off, just remember millions of children are being denied the love of BOTH their parents, and it could happen to you.
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

Top Judge against shared parenting.

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/370559/No-50-50-sharing-of-children-in-new-divorce-law-says-top-judge
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupporgroup.co.uk

Get Clued Up If Representing Yourself.

It was always going to happen, as legal aid is being cut , more and more people are going to represent themselves when going to court.
It is vital that anyone choosing to go down the route of Self Represented Litigants get themselves very well prepared, to be concise and focused.
You must listen to court advisers of exactly what the court are interested in, keep it factual and try to keep your emotions under control.
I know easier said than done.
Hopefully, the courts and Ministry of Justice will work together to get information out there,  to help LIP's to see what is expected and an introduction to show what a hearing is like.
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

BCR interview.

Just to let you all know that the interview with Bristol Community Radio http://bcfm.org.uk will be broadcast on  Friday 18th January between 10 am and noon on 93.2 FM. 
The programme is Silversound.
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk

New Year,New Hopes.

Thank you so much if you emailed or came in to write messages to your grandchildren for the Christmas Tree this year, the photo doesn't show how many messages there are, but there were over 60, and it has shone brightly all through December.
It always raises public awareness with people stopping and asking what it is for, it also helps grandparents at what can be a very difficult time of the year.
We now move on to a new year with new hopes and dreams, We will continue to give support where it is needed.
Please remember again, you are not alone.
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk