Grandparents

BeGrand.net the website for grandparents

As part of the Government's Family Information Direct Programme, the BeGrand.net website has been designed especially for grandparents. You can find information and support on everything from fun, free things to do with your grandchildren, to serious issues like grandparents' legal rights. There's an online forum where you can make friends with other grandparents, talk to each other and share expertise, knowledge and ideas online. There are also online advisors who can help with issues on a one-to-one basis.

Proud Grandparents

You can also visit the ProudGrandparents website where you can get expert advice of being a grandparent and sign up for their monthly newsletter.

The Grandparents' Association

The Grandparents' Association provides an advice and information line, welfare benefits advice, fact sheets, support groups and mediation. Their mission is to improve the lives of children by working with and for all grandparents especially those who:

• Have lost or are losing contact with their grandchildren because of divorce, family feud or other problems.
• Are caring for their grandchildren on a full time basis.
• Have childcare responsibilities for their grandchildren.
• Are interested in the educational and welfare needs of their grandchildren.

Contact the Grandparents' Association helpline on 0845 4349585 (Monday to Friday, 10.00am - 4.00pm). For benefits advice and information please ring 0844 3571033.

Things to do with your grandchildren

Salford Family Information Service (FIS) can provide information on lots of fun activities right across the city from sports to music, dance to play and drama to crafts. We can tell you where and when things are happening. Call us free on 0161 909 6508 to find out what's happening in your local area. You can also look for things to do on our service directory for children and families or visit the WUU2 directory for young people. The council's leisure pages provide information on council-run sports and leisure facilities, libraries, museums and galleries, arts, dance and local parks. 

For things to do with your grandchildren during the summer holidays visit the holiday activities page for fun ideas in your local area.

For further information and advice on family matters from health and wellbeing and child safety to learning and development, please visit the parents page.

Grandparents' guide to child maintenance

As a grandparent you’ll always want what’s best for those who are closest to you. But if your child’s family has separated, it’s hard to know how to help. Whatever happens, it’s vital that your grandchildren continue to receive financial support from the parent who no longer lives with them. Grandparents are in a great position to help their grandchildren. They’re just as likely to be asked about separation as professional advisors, and one in four families get help with childcare from grandparents.

Download the Child Maintenance Options Service grandparents' guide below. It is full of useful information to help you help your family. It will give you reliable information, success stories and frequently asked questions.

Family life - free guide for grandparents

Across Salford grandparents are playing an increasing role in supporting parents and children with the challenges of family life. Grandparents can access a free guide from Salford Family Information Service (FIS) offering advice to families caring for children and young people. The guide, by Grandparents Plus, covers areas such as the pressures a new baby can bring; acting as both a friend and a grandparent to teenagers and dealing with crisis times. To get your free copy please contact Salford FIS or download a copy below.

Who to contact

Name

Salford Family Information Service

Address

Children's Services
2nd Floor
Unity House
Swinton
Salford

M27 5AW
Map to this location

Telephone

0161 909 6508

Email

FIS@salford.gov.uk

Fax

0161 778 0509

This page was last updated on 23 September 2011