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GRG provides regional and local support through support groups, Community Outreach and Advocates with specialised knowledge and skills to assist caregivers as well education, training, critical information and support at each step of the caregiver’s journey.
Our membership is diverse across all socio-economic levels and various ethnic groups including European, Maori, Pasific, Asian, Middle East, Latin American and African communities. Our members range in age from early 40s to 90s and include great grandparents raising their great grandchildren.
For most grandparents, raising grandchildren is a result of an unexpected and traumatic event that requires a significant readjustment to their lives and those of their grandchildren. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Trust NZ is a unique organisation that has a deep understanding of both the benefits of grandchildren being raised by their grandparents and the challenges it can present.
We provide support services to grandparents and whanau caregivers who are raising their grandchildren and whanau/kin on a full-time basis
For more than 90% of the families we work with the grandparents have become full-time caregivers as a result of a traumatic event or family breakdown which is life changing for the children and their caregivers. It requires a deep understanding of their needs as they work to rebuild stability and security within their family.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren NZ has adopted an integrated approach to meeting these needs, ensuring we are able to provide grandparents and their family with the services they need either directly or indirectly as they arise.
Central to our approach is preparing grandparents and whānau caregivers for the challenges that lie ahead and ensuring they know what support is available when needed. Our Grandparents’ Roadmap is informed by one of our Guiding Principles – Empowerment. It clearly maps out the transition stages, the challenges and the support we make available.
In keeping with our vision,to provide specialised services and programmes that strengthen and empower grandparent and whānau care families so they can raise resilient and healthy tamariki and rangatahi, our portfolio of services supports first and foremost the caregiver so they are equipped and informed with what they need in their role as full-time caregiver.
Our Support Services include:
Outreach Support
Including helpline (0800 GRANDS), clothing and care packages, guidance and advice.
Advocacy and Outreach Service
This service is vital for the one-on-one direct support for our member families. Assistance and advocacy help is provided in resolving disputes over income support entitlements, help with mental health and other professional services for children suffering from past trauma, resolving issues with Oranga Tamariki and the Family Court, and we also work to resolve emergency/transitional and inadequate housing needs for families.
Caregiver Education
Brushing up on parenting skills and learning how to care for children who have been affected by past trauma is vital for grandparent and whānau caregivers. GRG provides free access to its unique SALT workshop programme that has been designed specifically for the grandparent care dynamic. We also link members into training available through other providers.
Support Groups
A nationwide network of Grandparent groups providing local grassroots support and fellowship to more than 6,000 grandparent and whānau member families.
Respite
Holiday programmes and camps are available to families – providing children with life skills and adventure – and their caregivers with a well-earned break.