THE Rivergum Grandparents as Parents Support Group has been relaunched, with local State Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington MP accepting the Group’s offer to become their very first patron.

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The Group has re-emerged after leaving The Samaritans.

“We have moved away and decided to branch out on our own, and we are excited for our new direction,” Secretary Gavin Breen told News Of The Area.

“We want to make sure what we are supporting each other and the kids we raise, and we are now a fully registered and insured entity as Rivergum Grandparents as Parents Support Group Inc.”

As the name suggests, the group exists to support grandparents who have taken up the role of parenting their grandchildren but it is also open to relatives who raise children that are not their own.

The Rivergum Grandparents as Parents Support Group is about being more than a sympathetic ear to those kindred carers to talk to someone who understands their plight, but to also enable outings which can be a great financial burden.

The group endeavours to ensure that advocacy is available to members to deal with the relevant authorities, as well as support at casework meetings.

“We have been fundraising quite vigorously to arrange outings for the kids and also for the carers, as the cost can be astronomical,” Gavin said.

“It becomes very hard to find the money to treat them to special days out, and we as a group are more than happy to do the necessary work to afford this to them.”

If you are raising children that are not your own and would like to know more about what the Rivergum Grandparents as Parents Support Group could do for you, please contact Cheryl on 0411019995 or Gavin on 0413142296.

By Rachael VAUGHAN