kinship caring

Hi angelface47, I work at Grandparents Plus and our advice team will be able to give you information and advice on what is available to you and if there is anything you really need they can apply to charities on your behalf. For exmaple we recently obtained money for winter clothes and a new bed. The number is 0300 123 7015. The advice line is open Mon-Fri 10am-3pm.

We also run a free support network. By joining the network you will receive our quarterly newsletter Kinship First and be invited to regional and national events. For more information and to join please see our website www.grandparentsplus.org.uk/network.

Have you read Grandparents Plus website? You can phone them or email them. They are trying to do just what you are talking about and went up to Westminster earlier this year. They produce a (I think) quarterly info online magazine which tells you your rights and suggests ways of getting extra funding. Also there is Family Rights Group and Grandparents Assocation. Hope this helps a little.

Sorry angelface47, I can't help other than to say to ask at Citizen's Advice.