Nigel Priestley and Samantha Sanders from Grandparents Legal Centre spoke at a major event for Grandparent carers organized by Grandparents Plus on Monday 16 January 2012. They set out the legal duties owed to grandparent carers by local authorities.

After the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Network received funding for a further three years from the Big Lottery Fund, Grandparents Plus made plans  to help them reach even more family and friends carers and develop new services to help and support families across the country.

The continued funding from the Big Lottery Fund meant that they were able to organise one national plus two regional events a year

The first regional event took place in Manchester. Organised with the support of the Valuing Older People Team, the event was held at the Manchester City Council offices and included workshops and information including legal advice, welfare benefits and support available locally.

“The event was free, and over 60 people from Manchester or the surrounding North West area joined us,” said Network Co-ordinator Alison Blaxland

Nigel Priestley commented “The sessions were great – they allowed for a real discussion of the challenges facing kinship carers. We are delighted to work with Grandparents Plus – the sessions were attended not only by grandparent carers but also by professionals supporting families where drugs and drink have ravaged family life.”