More than Grandparents
More than Grandparents is a charity that, since 2017, has been operating in the North East, in areas such as Newcastle, Sunderland, Gateshead and Durham. It works to support family members who step in to prevent children having to go into foster care or the adoption service when the parents are unable to look after them. The charity delivers advice and support as well as various activities such as peer support, learning and engagement activities, specialist trauma support; groups and outings; and drop-in and outreach provision. Around 250 individuals benefit on a weekly basis.
The Allen Lane Foundation has agreed funding at its February 2024 meeting of Trustees. The grant is for £8,000 given over a two-year period. Funding is to help develop a youth project for young people in kinship care, and will include difference aspects such as life skills, cooker and baking, sporting activities and visits to places of interest. The aim is to offer opportunities for engagement and peer support in a safe place with other young people who share similar experiences. Intended outcomes are that the young people will feel less isolated, have better support, and improved mental wellbeing.
