23 May 2011
Shailesh Vara, Member of Parliament for North West Cambridgeshire, visited the Second Generation Support Group on Friday at the Age UK building in Lincoln Road, Peterborough.

The Second Generation Support Group was founded twenty years ago by Mrs Chris Leaves and is run by her, and her husband Colin, to provide support for grandparents who have taken up the job of raising their grandchildren.

Mr Vara met with Mr and Mrs Leaves and other members to discuss the issues surrounding grandparents who assume the role of parent, often in very difficult circumstances and to show support for the challenging job that they do.

Mr Vara said:
“It was a privilege to meet with Mr and Mrs Leaves and other grandparents. They, along with thousands of other people in similar circumstances, do a great job, often in difficult circumstances and my admiration goes to them.

“Their enormous work and personal sacrifices deserve recognition.”

Mrs Leaves also said:
“Those present felt that Shailesh listened to what they had to say and understood that it was a 24/7 commitment and not just minding children while parents work.

“His suggestion that we need to get a lot bigger and more vocal fired up those present. I came away feeling happy with the meeting.”