Lizzie Hughes, Project Development Worker at the Harrogate Easier Living Project, discusses the glory of Grandmothers and why we should treasure every one of them.
“I might be showing my age, but does anyone remember Supergran, the tam-o-shanter toting grandma with super powers who fought the baddies and won? Back in the 80s it was one of my favourite programmes, dodgy special effects and all.
Fast forward to 2016 and I can think of a few people who deserve the title of Supergran, and it’s got nothing to do with magical powers. The typical role of a grandmother (and grandfather) has changed considerably over the last 30 years with a lot more taking a very active role in the upbringing of their grandchildren. Today, one in four working families rely on grandparents for childcare, with over half stating that it wouldn’t be worth them going to work if their families weren’t able to help out.
My own mother takes care of my youngest for seven hours a week and picks up my eldest from school once a week. Not only that, but she is on hand to take over childcare when I have a doctors/dentist appointment, when I just can’t face the supermarket with two whingeing girls or on a rare night out with the hubby. Of course it’s great to save pennies on babysitters but it is also a joy to see my girls developing such a close bond with their Grandma.
But what about those who are unable to play an active role in their family’s lives? Those who, due to age or ill health, are unable to take care of their grandchildren, or who live miles away from their loved ones. The Harrogate Easier Living Project (HELP) supports older people who need a helping hand to continue living independently. A large number of these are Grandmothers (and even Great Grandmothers) who are lonely and struggle to get out of the house without support. In fact, two thirds of the people we support tell us that they are lonely ‘some’ or ‘all of the time’.
Our Opening Doors volunteers accompany clients on a one-to-one basis, providing transport, practical help and also company for them, enabling them to do the things they want or need to do. Many clients are also matched with a volunteer, who may share the same interests, so they are able to enjoy regular social contact and get out and about.
One of our clients is a very sociable Grandma and Great Grandma living in Knaresborough. Sadly none of her family are local and she now struggles to go to church or her local WI without support. Opening Doors provides a lifeline for her and she now attends our monthly group outings as well as getting together with a volunteer for trips out in the car.
I was chatting to one of our fabulous volunteers who is one of an army of Grannies who pick up from Oatlands School. They were trying to decide what the collective noun for a group of Grandmothers should be. A ‘Glory of Grannies’ perhaps, or a ‘Glamour of Grannies’? Or maybe it should be a ‘Gratitude of Grannies’ – we should be hugely grateful for their contribution to our family’s lives, but I imagine they are also grateful they have health on their side to have the opportunity to be so involved. Being an active granny is a gift that should be treasured – but we should treasure all of the grandmothers and great grandmothers regardless of their ability to be practically involved in their family’s lives.
Opening Doors is looking for more volunteers to help socially isolated older people in our community. If you have a couple of hours spare every now and again, have access to a car and want to get involved, please get in touch. No minimum commitment is needed and training is provided. For more information contact Lizzie or Anna on 01423 813090 or drop us an email via help@harcvs.org.uk More information can be found on our website www.helpharrogate.org.uk
