Looking for the greatest grandparent 
(04/12/2008)
Age Concern’s Grandparent of the Year competition, in association with Specsavers, aims to recognise the vital role that grandparents play in modern family life.
Now in its 18th year, competition nominations can be made by anyone aged six or over up until the closing date of 31 December 2008 and are also welcome from families wanting to recognise a special older person who has played an important role in their life.
In addition to a cash prize of £3,000, the winner will also receive £750 in eyecare vouchers and £2,000 in hearing vouchers, courtesy of Specsavers.
Grandparents Fact Sheet
• Approximately 1.4 million, or one in ten grandparents, are aged under 50
• The average number of grandchildren among all grandparents is 4.4
• During the 1950s one in five grandparents had 10 or more grandchildren; that’s now dropped to one in 20
• Six in 10 working parents use grandparents to look after their babies.
• Research indicates that 82% of children also receive some care from grandparents which in turn provides two-thirds of all childcare in the UK.
Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern England says: ‘Today’s grandparents operate at the heart of family life, often helping many parents go back to work and beat the credit crunch by providing crucial childcare support and so much more. Why not show your appreciation for that special older person who makes your family complete by nominating them for Age Concern’s Grandparent of the Year?’
Five regional finalists will be invited to attend an all-expenses-paid VIP trip to London, accompanied by the grandchild and parent who nominated them. During the visit they will take part in the final awards ceremony at the House of Commons, hosted by breakfast TV presenter Fiona Phillips.
To enter please log onto www.ageconcern.org.uk/grandparents, www.specsavers.co.uk or visit your nearest Age Concern centre or Specsavers store to pick up a nomination form.
Age Concern is the UK’s largest organisation working with and for older people. It provides local services as well as influencing public opinion and government to improve the quality of life for older people. More than 252,000 older people benefit from Age Concern services every week.
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