Francesca’s Story
Francesca’s granddaughter Sophia, was one year old, when she came to live with her. To ease the transition for Sophia, Francesca worked closely with her parents and Children’s Services. It was not long after, when Sophia’s baby sister Marianna, moved in with them.
Francesca has a close relationship with her family. Yet recognised early on that as a Kinship Carer, the needs of the girls had to come first.
Before the Special Guardianship Order was in place, Francesca joined the fostering training. She found this beneficial in preparing for the care of her two young grandchildren. With the Special Guardianship Orders in place, Francesca soon felt cut off and alone. She thought she was the only Kinship Carer in her area. Two years later, Francesca received an invite to a Special Guardianship group. She felt amazed to find so many other people in the same situation as her. For the first time in two years Francesca did not feel alone. She attributes this to having access to non-judgmental support. In addition, to having new links with other Kinship Carers.
My feelings - this is inside me, by Francesca
I live in a home
It is my pot
I am the rock
I take stock of things
I don’t have a ring
I love my grandchildren
With all my heart!
They are my soul and my reason to keep going
They make me laugh, giggle, cry
I sometimes get frustrated
But they are my world and everything
They give me reason
They make me shine
And my everything
I could cry
I feel so much love for them both
I sometimes burst with pride
They always keep me in my stride
Although Francesca says that her life can be quite lonely, she tries to make their days out happy times. ‘We love going down to the lake and look for sticks and conkers. We do walk-a-bouts and nature trails. Most days we go are happy days and it’s what the girls like to do. We love playing ‘going on a bear hunt’ on the way home. All three of us end up screaming’.
Francesca explains her granddaughters spend a lot of time out doors even if it’s in their back garden. ‘They spend a lot of time in their hut, especially in the summer. They love it. Some days can be wobbly days and I try to keep my composure. In my mind I know I’m doing everything myself and it can be a bit of a tough road. My shoulders are caving in a little bit but I know I need to be the strong one to make it easier for them’.
The Kinship Care groups that Francesca attends often organise events for the children. Francesca says, ‘I had heard of children living with grandparents before. But I was oblivious to why they were living there. I told the children we were going to meet other children who lived with their grandparents, aunts and uncles. It seemed to give them a lot of comfort. Sophia asked a lot of questions’.
