Grandparent Support Groups

Having the full time care of your grandchildren can be very rewarding but also challenging. Grandparents sometimes feel physically and emotionally drained by their caring role and at times, they may question themselves about their ability to keep on coping. With the demands of being a parent for the second time, friendships with others of a similar age can be difficult to maintain and grandparents can begin to feel socially isolated.
Joining a grandparent support group can be a way of forming new friendships and having access to information and the wisdom of other grandparents who are also raising grandchildren. Often support groups also organise social activities. The support of others can assist grandparents to continue to have the energy to keep on care giving.

MyTime for Grandparents

MyTime for Grandparents is a national network of peer support groups for grandparent carers who are the full-time carers of their grandchildren aged up to 18 years.

Grandparents meet in groups and find out about local support that is available for them as they care for their grandchildren. MyTime groups provide a place to meet with other grandparents to discuss issues that affect their lives. Grandparents can socialise and share ideas with others who understand their caring role. 

Phone: 1800 889 997
Web: http://www.mytime.net.au/index.php/mytime-for-grandparents 

Cairns and District Grandparents Support Group

Meets at Hambledon House Community Centre, Edmonton on the first Wednesday of each month at 9:30am Grandparents finding themselves in the primary carer's role of grandchildren often have the need for companionship, information and a chance to share their experiences with other grandparents. Would you like to meet other grandparents/carers who are in the same situation.
For Grandparents who care for or have no access to their Grandchildren. Join the Cairns Grandparenting Support Group.
 
Phone (07) 4055 5161
Web:  http://www.cairnsgrandparents.com

Community Services Tablelands

Atherton Neighbourhood Centre has started a new Grandparents Raising Grandchildren support group They get together once a fortnight to discuss topics raised by the grandparents themselves. Meetings take place at The Family Support House 38 Mabel Street and you can phone 4091 3850 to find out more.

KinKare

Other Grandparent Support Groups

Below are listed the contact numbers for various grandparent support groups throught the state of QLD. These groups are a great source of contact for grandparents wanting to meet others in similar situations. Support groups can help you to:

Reduce your Stress.
Develop a support network with similar people.
Encourages positive feelings.
Help to build your resource base.