Over the next few days the Herald will be running a series of articles on child abuse and highlighting charities working to end it. See the bottom of this page for today's charity.
KEY POINTS:
Nana X doesn't know where she'd be without the help and support of the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Trust - a group she has belonged to since taking on the care of her 8-month-old grandson who is now 2.
Every month she attends a GRG meeting, and while her grandson is looked after in a free creche, she talks with other grandparents about the challenges of raising a child.
Sometimes she gets parenting advice, other times there are guest speakers. Sometimes she simply enjoys being able to go out and meet other grandparents in the same situation.
"They are absolutely wonderful," she said. "I don't go anywhere much, and it's something I look forward to to catch up with people. It's a social thing and it keeps me sane - they help with all different things."
In addition to the meetings, GRG provides grandparents and their grandchildren - many of whom are suffering the effects of some sort of abuse, neglect or abandonment - with a range of functions from "wonderful picnics" to Christmas parties. Camps await when the children are old enough.
Along with support and advice, the GRG is also a place where struggling grandparents can go for assistance. Nana X's grandson (neither can be named to protect the boy's privacy) suffers from the effects of substance abuse that occurred during his mother's pregnancy.
It was difficult letting him play outside, but thanks to GRG, which enlisted the support of a church group, - a fence was built at her home to help keep her grandson in the grounds.
"You can go to them for anything," said Nana X. "They have so many services, it's just wonderful."
* The organisation:
- Around 4000 grandparents, the majority of which are over 50
- Caring for grandchildren who have been abused, abandoned or their parents suffered from drug/alcohol abuse or mental illness and weren't able to care for them
- Many of the children are suffering from psychological problems ranging from severe aggression and behaviour problems to post traumatic stress disorder.
- Physical problems such as chronic bed wetting, fetal alcohol disorder and disabilities such as blindness and deafness are common.
* Make a donation to Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Visit www.raisinggrandchildren.org.nz
Or deposit money into their bank account:
06-0115-0203334-00
