What is GrandParents ACT & Region?

A partnership project
GrandParents ACT and Region is a partnership project of Marymead Child and Family Centre, Canberra Mothercraft Society and Relationships Australia Canberra and Region.

This partnership was formed in June 2003 as a result of the three organisations becoming increasingly aware of the needs of Grandparents raising grandchildren and their inadequacies as individual organisations to meet the needs of these families.  A strategic partnership was formed and a project officer was employed to run support groups and to provide individual support, referral, and advocacy as required.

GrandParents Support Network

The Grandparents Support Network has been developed to help grandparents who are raising or who play a significant role in raising their grandchildren.  Amost  50% of out-of-home care placements in the ACT at present are with kin carers and the number is growing.  Grandparents raising grandchildren are included in this group.

Support and information sessions are held at Marymead Child and Family Centre every month and further details and dates can be found on the Events page. Guest speakers are often invited to the meetings to give information and answer questions on topics the group has identified as being of special interest.  Lunch is provided and there is no cost to attend.  Bookings are essential for catering.

The program also offers individual support for grandparents such as counselling and assistance in emergency situations (assessed on each individual set of circumstances).  All grandparents receive the monthly newsletter, Grandview.

Funding for the network has been provided by the Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services.