Contact orders for grandparents

Does anyone have any experience in applying for contact orders for grandchildren. I have retained contact with my son's 3 children which in the main has been successful but have been overtaken by events and future contact is looking shaky. (Too complicated but involves courts and restricted disclosure). The Local authority involved has suggested I go down the application for contact order route and is supportive. However money is limited (I do not qualify for legal aid) and I wish to use it wisely. I will probably need to represent myself in court so any tips would be helpful