The issue of family estrangement is an enormous issue for so many, the impact on families is horrendous, and for me is now a public health issue.
Children who are denied contact suffer in so many ways, it can cause life long damage, and parents/grandparents and other family members also suffer with the loss of these precious people.
Everyone knows how these traumatic experiences affect our mental and physical health.
It is why we all have to keep raising awareness in any way we can.
This last week we have been interviewed by the BBC Points West and local radio, as a result of BGSG’s bench being seen on The Downs, which is exactly what I hoped would happen.
After both interviews we have been contacted by many grandparents who are going through this ‘living bereavement.’
It is true to say that continually putting yourself out there does take its toll, very often you are asked to do an interview when you may not be in a very good place yourself, but the issue is too big to not do them. If just one grandparent hears them and connects then it is job done.
There is of course an issue with not being able to get other grandparents to tell their own story, it is hard, baring your soul to the media and is not something to take lightly.
If you feel it is something you would like to get involved with do get in touch and I will add you to the ‘media’ list.
You need to not be going through the legal route.
In most cases they will do an interview anonymously, there are ways around it.
Of course many will not want to do anything that will make a bad situation worse and that is totally understandable, but do give it thought.
