Save the Children will give Auckland grandparents a well-earned break from their job raising grandkids this summer by sending the children to a week-long holiday camp.

Save the Children has given a $2000 grant to the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Trust in the North Shore, which will send 8 children to the YMCA Shakespear Holiday Camp in Whangaparaoa in January.

The Trust was set up to provide support to grandparents who are the primary caregivers of grandchildren in difficult circumstances.

Trust spokesperson Diane Vivian said today that the children often come from homes where the parents are abusive, neglectful, violent, mentally ill or substance users.

“The children have behavioural problems and are often traumatised because of their experiences. They are emotional and scholastically behind in their development and might have physical difficulties and other health problems as a result of their abusive backgrounds.

“By attending the camp the children will become more confident and happier in themselves. They will mix with other kids who are being raised by grandparents, which will give some normality to their situation.

“And just as importantly, the grandparents will receive respite from the twenty-four hour job they have taken on."

Ms Vivian said the children would take part in a variety of outdoor activities at the camp such as Kayaking and rock-climbing.

Save the Children North Shore Branch President Richard Frankland said today that he is delighted a local organisation was selected to receive the grant, particularly after the support the North Shore community gave to Save the Children’s recent Annual Appeal.

“It’s great that some of the funds raised in our Appeal are being used to help children in our own backyard," said Richard.

Save the Children New Zealand’s Small Grants Fund was set up in 2002 to provide funding to local and national organisations working to help children. Click here for more information on the Small Grants Fund.