Trek helps grandparents
A Kerikeri grandfather is grateful for a trust which has provided clothing, advocacy and guidance as he learns how to care for his blind grandson.
He is one of 490 caregivers raising around 550 children who are not their own in Northland. He is speaking out as Kiwi actor Bruce Hopkins has taken to Te Araroa Trail, aiming to raise $50,000 for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.
Hopkins, from Lord of the Rings, set off from Cape Reinga on October 14, for the 3000km journey which is expected to take five months.
The grandfather, who wished to remain anonymous, says he has come to care for his six-yearold grandson after his mother went through depression and issues with alcohol and substance abuse.
The child, who is legally blind, had been passed around different family members until June. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren has provided the family with a box of clothes, toys, treats as well as support and guidance.
The grandfather says the support has been ‘‘absolutely amazing’’. ’’They have helped me feel equipped and understand my rights and responsibilities.
‘‘Before this, there was a lot of uncertainty, I was trying to get settled in with an additional child in my care... I know where I’m going now, I feel empowered with information and support they have provided me. It means the world to me to provide him a safe place.’’
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren provides support to 7000 grandparents and wha¯nau caregivers who care for more than 12,000 children across NZ. Kaitaia has 36 families registered while Kerikeri has 14.
The grandfather, who is deaf, also cares for his 11-year-old deaf son in a one-bedroom unit. ’’We are his eyes and he is our ears. We complement each other.’’
He says there must be other grandparents out there that don’t know about the organisation and he encourages them to get in touch.
Hopkins, a grandfather of three, says he treasures the time he has with his grandchildren and empathises with grandparents who are having to step back into the parental role often as the result of a traumatic family breakdown.
To donate visit givealittle.co.nz/ cause/thelongwayhome