Are you finding yourself caring for your bereaved grandchildren and dealing with your own grief?

Many children and young people are looked after by grandparents when one or both parents die. For many children who are making huge adjustments in their lives this is an ideal outcome, as grandparents are ideally situated to help children maintain family links, offer stability and help children with their memories.

 

Grandparents will face many issues including their own health anxieties, the desire to make things right and the sense of loss for their grand parenting role. They will need to adjust to the constant demands of the children.

 

Generational differences, financial pressures, possibly the loss of employment, legal issues around guardianship, benefits, etc, can also be a challenge when caring for the children. Some grandparents feel a sense of resentment for the loss of their own retirement, or the loss of contact with their grandchildren when a surviving parent moves the family to another area.

 

Many grandparents find great fulfilment in caring for the children and find that helping the children to re-build their lives and that of their own brings them a great sense of joy and comfort.

 

Noah's Ark offers bereavement support to children, young people and their families experiencing a significant bereavement. The service offers telephone advice, literature, individual support, workshops and residential weekends. Advice and information can also be offered to grandparents and Noah?s Ark will work alongside grandparents in order for them to support their grandchildren through a difficult time.
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Quote from Grandparent
'I was very comforted by the way in which Noah's Ark Trust cared for our whole family. I took great confidence from all that was done for us and know that we received excellent support. The Bereavement Service Co-ordinator supported my daughter and grandson so well. They attended the residential weekend which gave them the chance to be themselves. It was a really beneficial experience.'