The Grandparents Support Group, that meets in Milton Keynes, was formed in September 2006 after a Fun Day at Gulliver's Land, organised by the Family Rights Group in connection with the Peterborough based Second Generation Group, and its founder Chris Leaves. 

Chris founded the Second Generation Group in 1994, having obtained a Residence Order for her two Grandchildren, as she knew of no other Grandparents in that situation.

We decided that Milton Keynes would be a great venue for Grandparents in Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

We started with just a couple of Grandparents and have grown ever since. Some Grandparents aren't able to attend the weekly meetings, either because of work, childcare commitments, distance or lack of transport, therefore we are planning to hold evening and get-togethers during the Grandchildren's school holidays, to enable those Grandparents and Grandchildren to participate.

Our Aims are:

• To provide a support group for Grandparents who find themselves the main carers of their Grandchildren.
• To provide support to Grandparents experiencing or having experienced Court Proceedings for Care, Residence or Contact Orders.
• To help Grandchildren come to terms with being cared for by Grandparents.
• To share experiences.
• To help Grandparents realise that they are not on their own.
• To support other family members caring for a relative's child such as an Aunt/Uncle caring for a Niece/Nephew.

We believe that:

• A special relationship exists between Grandchildren and Grandparents.
• Decisions should always be made in the child's best interest.
• Children should have a voice.
• Ageism should not be a feature in any decision taken in the child's welfare and future.
• Younger people and older people can learn from each other.
• Policy makers must acknowledge the role of Grandparents.

• Grandparents, who are primary carers, must be given equal status with other carers, including financial support.