Helping kids to have a grand time

25 March 2010

For Shirley Young, being a grandparent is quite literally a full time job. Shirley is a member of Grand Time - a group of grandparents on the Isle of Sheppey whose grandchildren live with them, and who can sometimes struggle to find the money for special days out.

Thanks to the Kent Fund for Children, the Grand Time group was able to enjoy a fun day that gave them all a well-deserved treat. All the grandparents and grandchildren had a fantastic day out at the Amazing Great Children’s Party in Battersea Park last summer. The Kent Fund for Children gave them the money to hire a coach for the trip.

Shirley Young said:

“Some of the grandparents have been free of their children for many years and suddenly they have a young child to care for.  We, as grandparents, at times find it hard to find the funds so we can have special days out. Without the support from Kent Fund for Children, this day wouldn’t have been possible.”

The Kent Fund for Children has been set up under the Charities Aid Foundation and is dedicated to making young people’s dreams come true.  The aim is to support children and young people who have not had the same opportunities that most children enjoy, because of personal or social circumstances.  It was set up by Kent County Council Social Services in 1992 and funds are raised by Kent County Council staff.

Peter Gilroy, Chief Executive of Kent County Council said:

“The Kent Fund for Children has a simple aim: to make life better for children and young people wherever it can.  Even a relatively small amount of money can make a huge difference to a young person’s life and I’m so proud that the fund has been able to give out nearly £600,000 to Kent children since it was launched.”

Grand Time is run by Family Action UK and the group meets every week at the Seashells Centre in Sheerness to share problems, offer each other support and sometimes just laugh together.

Members of the group find themselves dealing with all the usual issues of raising children as well as dealing with children who may have been through a very difficult situation.

If you want to make a donation, or if you want to find out more about the Kent Fund for Children please contact Mike Ballard on 01622 694845.