Generation Link

Generation Link provides a surrogate grandparent for children whose real grandparents are not around.

The project matches older volunteers to families with children – giving them a ‘grandparent’ in their lives as they grow.

Generation Link currently has around 70 volunteers, mostly aged from 40-65, who between them are supporting around 80 families.

The project began in 1993 in response to a need for support for the increasing number of lone parents, many of whom were isolated and had no links with their families of origin

Some Generation Link volunteers help children with homework or reading. Others play with the child – giving stressed parents a break. Often the volunteer becomes a trusted support to a parent who might otherwise feel isolated.

Having one-to-one time with another adult has made Ailsha more open, talkative and articulate.

Mandy, mother

Stories of success

Lorraine’s story

Lorraine is a volunteer ‘grandparent’ to Rasheed, 3.