Group and one-on-one support provided

Although she’s not a grandparent, Nattie Turner-gerroir is the executive director of the Grandparents’ Rights Association for Nova Scotia (GRANS).

The Bible Hill woman got involved in 2015, when she offered to do some online work for the group.

“The one thing I do the most, is empowerment,” she said. “We’re empowering people to have a voice for their grandchildren.

“People who’ve gone through such trials and tribulations are hard on themselves, but their story is an inspiration for others to come forward and get help. It does truly take a village.”

She said a lot of people don’t know what help is available, so GRANS helps them navigate the system and access support.

“A lot of issues are conflict related and our first priority is to help the family unit. Not all cases end up in court.”

Both group and one-on-one support is provided, and TurnerGerrior would like to see more peer support taking place.

“Those who are feeling they don’t have anywhere to turn can reach out to us,” she said. “We’re a donation-based organization and everything is done for free.”

The group would also be happy to hear from anyone interested in volunteering.

Meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month, in the community room at the Robie St. Sobeys, from noon to 2 p.m. Support meetings are held in the evenings, and dates for those are announced in the Truro News Community Calendar.

GRANS can be reached by email grandparentsrightsns@ gmail.com or by calling 902-7891378.