Grandparents globally are becoming full-time carers often through an unexpected or traumatic event in their grandchildren’s lives.
Born from a grass-roots support group set up in 1999 on Auckland’s North Shore, Diane Vivian formalised the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Trust New Zealand in 2001. This has become a unique organisation that has a deep understanding of both the benefits of this relationship and the challenges it can present.
Central to their approach is preparing grandparents and whānau caregivers for what lies ahead using their Grandparents’ Roadmap. It outlines the transition stages and the support available to empower its user. Also available is a helpline –
"It’s about grandparents being able to speak to someone who understands what they are going through and who can give them practical advice to work through the challenges they face. It is about knowing they are not alone and that despite the many tears that fall, they are heard and supported.”
“The impact of Foundation North’s funding has been huge. It enables us to continue and expand our valuable work for the children and their caregivers; providing caregiver training, advocacy, advice and support.”
“In the last 12 months we had around 600 new families seek support from us with more than a third of them living in the Auckland and Northland regions. We couldn’t have supported them without this invaluable funding from Foundation North.”
