Also See:
- Guide to help grandparents who have a caring role (PDF - Large File)
- Are you bringing up your grandchildren? (PDF)
Our next meetings:
will be posted here soon!
Are you raising your grandchildren?
If you are raising your grandchildren come along to Community First New Forest’s Grandparents Information Day on Wednesday 14 October.
There will be speakers from Age UK New Forest, Hope, & Princess Royal Trust amongst others. You can meet others in similar situations and find mutual support and encouragement. Refreshments are available from 10.15am. The event will run from 10.30am-1.15pm at Lyndhurst Community Centre and includes a sandwich lunch. It is open to grandparents from across the New Forest.
Grandparents can be thrown into a caring role unexpectedly, often as a result of a tragedy. Common reasons include an accident, a death or drug and alcohol addiction. According to the Group’s Facilitator, Carol Malky, “Just at the time of life when they want to relax and enjoy themselves many grandparents have to put their lives on hold indefinitely. As much as they love their grandchildren, this can be a real challenge.”
The charity has been running a support group for Grandparent Carers for just under 5 years, supporting the growing number of grandparents in a full-time caring role. Carol believes that this type of event and the regular support group meetings help to spread the message that support and advice is out there.
To book a place contact Carol Malky on 01425 482773 or email [email protected]. Alternatively, if you are unable to attend but would like to receive a copy of their Guide for Grandparent Carers then Community First New Forest would also like to hear from you.
What we do….
We provide a support service that offers advice and information to grandparents as carers during meetings held 4 times per year. We hold informal meetings where we talk and share experiences over a cup of coffee.
How we help you
We can provide information on:
- where to get help
- benefits you are entitled to
- other (local) services available that can help with:
- educational advice
- legal issues
- bereavement
- drugs and alcohol abuse
- homework
What does it cost?
This is a free service for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren
Where we provide the service
We cover the entire New Forest, meetings are held at various locations in the New Forest.
Our commitment to quality
Our staff are enhanced DBS checked and non judgemental. We treat everyone in a respectful manner and with kindness. Confidentiality is of paramount importance to us, so you can feel completely at ease and discuss any concerns or issues you may have, knowing that it will remain within the group.
What our clients say
“To talk to other people in similar situations and realise you are not on your own and help us out there so it’s crucial that this type of support continues!”
“Meetings are so useful and offer much needed support.”
How to contact us
For more information or if you would like to be added to our mailing list, please contact:
Carol Malky - Parent Facilitator
Community First New Forest
Archstone House
Pullman Business Park
Pullman Way
Ringwood
BH24 1HD
Tel. 01425 482773
Fax. 01425 482666
Email [email protected]
Office opening hours
9am-2pm Monday and Wednesday
