Grandparents support group recognised with award

Well done to this group of proud grandparents. The Grandparents Rearing Grandchildren support group which have been providing support to grandparents who often end up caring for children through casual arrangements, has won the WA Seniors Awards gong. The group which provides support such as mentoring, pampering and activities is celebrating state recognition after all their hard work. Grandparents Rearing Grandchildren won the group or organisation award from the Council on the Ageing WA on November 6 and secretary Penny Rowden said it would help raise awareness about the full-time role some grandparents played caring for grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mrs Rowden said the group had about 60 members who cared for about 120 children and met at Kingsley Memorial Hall from 9.30am on the second Tuesday of each month.

“Most of the families are in this area – City of Joondalup, City of Wanneroo, City of Stirling,” she said.

Mrs Rowden said the reasons that children needed their care varied, including the death of parents, disability, or drug and alcohol issues.

She and husband Clive, who is the group’s president, initially cared for four of their grandchildren and recently took in their two great-grandchildren for three months, reports Community News.

“It’s very satisfying looking after your grandchildren,” she said.

“You really feel like you are doing something positive. They just come into your arms and they cuddle you – you’ve got a really strong relationship with your grandchildren.”

The Duncraig resident said the non-profit group provided four retreats a year for members, pamper and laughter days, school holiday activities and an annual camp.

She said volunteers also helped collecting bread and toy donations to distribute to the families.

Main photo by www.grandparentsrearinggrandchildren.org.au.

Do you think more communities need this sort of support group?