Northampton group continues to support grandparents who are alienated by more than lockdown

A local support group that helps alienated grandparents says the heartbreak some grandparents have felt during lockdown is nothing new for many.

GranPart, which has been running in Northampton and Milton Keynes for five years, helps grandparents who are cut off from the grandchildren, not just because of the lockdown.

The group usually meets face-to-face to help those who no longer see their grandchildren, due to a falling out, a divorce or any other reason.

Founder of GranPart, Marian Turner, said: “I have been contacted by more people during lockdown who are finding it really hard not seeing their grandchildren, but for them this will end and has already started to.

“Majority of our members will never see their grandchildren again unless they go to court for contact, so for us this will not end.”

Since lockdown, the group has been hosting its meetings via Zoom so members can still support each other.

Marian added: “Since lockdown was imposed, we have been holding regular get together via Zoom.

“These have proved imperative in being able to give grandparents, who were already suffering, an opportunity to talk to others in similar situations and share their stories and advice.

“Using the virtual world of Zoom has also meant we can support people from anywhere in the country and is something we will continue to do.

“The support we provide is invaluable. When it happens to you, you suddenly feel isolated because sometimes you don’t even know what you have done.

“But everyone in the group knows we are all in the same situation, so we get it.”

To find out more information and to join the group, visit the GranPart website.

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