When Linda McEvilly’s daughter was killed in a car crash she left behind a young son. 11 years later he is at university and Linda is campaigning to raise awareness for grandparents acting as parents.

Following her experiences of bringing up her grandson with little financial support and seeing many other people struggling to do the same, Linda launched Grandparents as Parents (GAP) in 2004.

“[GAP] is mainly to support and campaign for the rights of grandparents who are bringing up grandchildren full time, plus to support and help those who act as carers to their grandchildren whilst mum or dad work."

Although there appears to be a system in place to accommodate carers, Linda encountered problems when seeking financial support. 

“At one stage I thought that I could apply for the Foster Carers Allowance, but when I found out that I would first have to put him into care without a solid guarantee that I would get him back, I decided to return to full time employment instead.”

Her grandson is now nineteen and Linda is still struggling to support him through college, but feels it is now time to address the problems that older carers, such as herself, face.

“Just within my small estate in Blackpool there are 18 GAP’s.

“GAP aims to publicise the emotional, financial and political implications that are faced by grandparents acting as parents.”

Alongside promoting the work of grandparents, the group is also establishing branches that provide courses, advice and playgroups.