What we do - Portsmouth

Last Updated on Monday, 22 April 2013 10:08

Whilst the Grandparents' Association has so much to offer we are often asked what regional help is available and what events, information and support there is. With this in mind we have set up some regional pages which will give you an insight into what’s happening in your region and the groups that are run, local services which are running or under development, information available or help that is needed. If you would like some advice or help please feel free to contact us on 0845 4349585

What we do:
The Grandparents’ Association came to Portsmouth in November 2009 and the city became one of 3 local bases (other bases in Leeds and Kentish Town, London).  Working with local grandparents and service providers we sought ways to improve services for grandparents and to look at setting up new services, such as support groups  to help grandparents in the city.

Sadly funding for local work ended in December 2011 and while we continue to seek funding for a local base we are concentrating on keeping in touch with local services, maintaining local links, and enabling local volunteers to continue with peer support work. Louisa remains a kind of local ‘champion’ for grandparents, helping professionals and organisations to understand the massive contribution grandparents make to childcare and how difficult it can be when grandparents aren’t able to see their grandchildren.  There is a wide range of services available to grandparents in the city but they don’t necessarily meet the needs of grandparents well, and/or may now be advertised in the right way to appeal to the grandparents.  We continue to seek ways to develop better services, following on from the enthusiasm of the workshop in July 2010 grandparents  - when professionals agreed actions for improvement that is being led by the Grandparents’ Association’s Advisory Group in the city.

The group for grandparents caring a lot/full time for grandchildren to get together, chat, help and support each other isn’t currently running but please contact Louisa if you would like such support and might be interested in volunteering to help get the group up and running again.

A weekly grandparent and toddler group runs in Paulsgrove on Fridays during term time from 10am-12pm.

And a monthly group for grandparents denied contact with grandchildren runs at the Mountbatten Centre from 1.30-3.30 (generally 2nd Tuesday of the month but please contact Louisa to confirm details).

Please contact Louisa for more details or if other things would help you.

If you are a professional and would like to refer a client the Referral Form can be used.

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