Wirral grandparents who are raising their grandchildren campaign for more help

Apr 15 2009 by Lorna Hughes, Heswall News

WIRRAL grandparents struggling to bring up their grandchildren say the Government and council must do more to help.

Wirral GAP – Wirral Grandparents Active Partnership – argues many grandparents are raising children just on their pensions, while foster carers are given an allowance and regular training.

The group, which was formed after an appeal in the News last year by Wirral Older People’s Parliament, says politicians must intervene to stop full-time grandparent carers facing poverty.

So far there are 24 members but it believes there are hundreds more on Wirral who are reluctant to come forward, fearing their grandchildren will be taken into care.

Wallasey MP and Treasury minister Angela Eagle has agreed to meet the group.

Maureen Davies and husband Bill have been caring for their 10-year-old granddaughter Sarah for three years after the sudden death of their youngest daughter Rachel. The couple were given a residency order because Sarah’s father died when she was two.

Maureen, 60, from West Kirby, said: “It’s very unfair. Foster carers aren’t means–tested but we are for any benefits we apply for.

“A lot of grandparents are frightened about the kids going into care so they don’t know what payments they’re entitled to, for example family allowance and tax credits.

“Children in foster care get days out and activities to give carers a break – why don’t we get any of this support?

“This fight isn’t going to help us but it might help others in the future.”

She added: “The last two years have been like being on an exhausting express train. with stops that you can’t get off at. At times we haven’t known where to turn.”

Wirral Council has produced a leaflet for grandparent carers but the group says much of the information is out of date or incomplete.

The next meeting of Wirral GAP will take place at 10am on April 23 at the Live Wirral building on Laird Street.

For more information call Brian Christian on 0151 666 2220 or Joe Lee on 0151 652 3214.