Orange grandparents who are raising their own grandchildren have called out for help from tradespeople and suppliers.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
They are in need of people to convert their homes to provide room for their grandchildren to live.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren founder Judy Skipper said many of these grandparents were single, aged in their 80s, and could not afford the renovations.
"We have grandparents with up to four to five grandchildren. They are placed into their normal retirement houses. A lot of them are sharing rooms," she said.
Ms Skipper said government agencies advised them to 'put another room on' but they could not afford it.
She said they were seeking help from all types of tradespeople or suppliers who could help the carers with modifications or work around the house.
"Anything, if they are willing to do it," she said.
We want to get enough grandparents behind us to become a force. We are not going away.
- Judy Skipper, group founder
The group meets on the first and third Fridays every month at the Orange Family Support Service in March Street which can be contacted by tradies offering help.
The next meeting is this week from 10am-noon where a grandparent adviser from Centrelink will talk about financial assistance.
Ms Skipper said grandparent carers were invited to attend and ask questions.
"We are now a group of seven. Everybody's got a little bit of information to offer," she said.
"Sometimes it's really hard to find out what is out there to help us financially.
"We want to get more grandparents involved. We are also trying to liaise with other grandparent groups throughout NSW.
"We want to get enough grandparents behind us to become a force. We are not going away," she said.
Ms Skipper said the level of funding for grandparent carers was inconsistent.
"That's been a big issue. It is not consistent across the board. We want it across the board," she said.
Orange Family Support Service case manager Sue Brown said some grandchildren being cared for by their grandparents had been involved with the child protection department at Family and Community Services and the level of aid varied.
"Some grandparents receive a child allowance and some don't. There's been an inconsistency," she said.
DO YOU WANT MORE ORANGE NEWS?
- Receive our free newsletters delivered to your inbox, as well as breaking news alerts. Sign up below ...