Support group

[Polly]

We are just starting out as long term foster carers for our grandchildren. Are there any support groups in the North Birmingham area. No success searching on line and not eligible to join the Local Authority one as we don't foster for them .It would be good to talk to others in a similar situation.We have appreciated the advice on the forum on the SGO/fostering issueThanks

[David Roth]

Hi distracted gran and welcome to posting on our family and friends discussion forum.

Getting a support group going in your area sounds like a great idea! We know a lot of family and friends carers in different parts of the country who go to support groups, and we find that people generally do appreciate being able to talk to others who have been through the same sort of experiences that they have been. The feeling is that no one else is quite able to understand the experience of being a family and friends carer like other people who are doing the same thing, not even when other people are sympathetic and understanding.

If you would like to start a support group in your own area, can I suggest that you speak to FRG consultant Chris Leaves? Chris is an experienced family and friends carer, who set up her own support group in Peterborough 20 years ago, and has been helping other carers all over the country to get their own support groups going. She is full of helpful advice about how to get a group started, find other carers, locate premises to meet in, etc.

You can call Chris on 01733 751531, and if you leave a message she will get back to you. Chris is a lovely person, and I'm sure you will find a phone chat with her very helpful.