Date: 26/Jun/2008
Anglicare WA , with the support of Austal Ships, has launched Second Time Around, a new program providing financial and practical assistance to WA grandparents raising their grandchildren.
In Australia, an estimated 35,100 children under 15 years of age are living with their grandparents and other relatives.
In many cases the grandparents and grandchildren have come together under difficult circumstances and Second Time Around provides the support these grandparents need to succeed in this often challenging role.
Second Time Around provides:
• Grandparents Group Course (6 weeks)
• Grandfamily camps
• Equipment Loan Library for metropolitan grandfamilies
• Financial assistance grants for regional grandfamilies
General Manager Community Services, Andrew Hall said the program offers a range of supports for grandfamilies, to stimulate the best family environment.
“The new group course will be run by professional facilitators and will focus on issues such as parenting styles, family dynamics, accessing services, self care and stress management techniques, “ said Mr Hall.
The group course begins on 29 July 2008 and will involve a weekly two hour information forum for six consecutive weeks, to be held at Anglicare WA’s East Perth head office.
Program organisers are currently planning Grandfamily camps which provide grandfamililes the opportunity to meet, relax and have fun. Grandparents will also be offered valuable down time as their grandchildren take part in a range of activities.
The Equipment Loan Library provides items such as cots, prams and car seats for grandfamilies in Perth and Peel regions. Regional grandfamiles can also apply for financial assistance grants (up to $150) for essential expenses such as school uniforms.
Second Time Around was initiated in November 2007 and is funded by Austal Ships. The grant from Austal is expected to fund the program for four years.
To enrol in the Group Course or for general enquiries please contact Elsie on 9263 2003 at Anglicare WA’s East Perth office.
