The Grandparents United for Children Conference at Leeds Beckett Law School on 21 November 2023 saw a gathering of individuals passionate about addressing the challenges faced by grandparents who lose contact with their grandchildren.

The hybrid presentation by Dr. Samantha Davey of the University of Essex and Dr. Charlotte Bendall of the University of Birmingham on their research into mediation shed light on the complexities and potential solutions surrounding this issue.

Drs. Davey and Bendall delved into the intricacies of mediation, focusing on the formidable challenges encountered by grandparents in contact disputes. The discussion centred on the notable absence of explicit references to grandparents in the Children Act 1989, rendering them devoid of certain rights. This regulatory gap exposes the vulnerability of grandparental contact, with subsequent re-establishment proving to be particularly challenging.

Their interest extended towards a comprehensive examination of grandparents’ encounters with both court processes and mediation, drawing insightful comparisons between the two. A key objective was to gain an understanding of grandparents’ experiences and to explore avenues for improving the existing system.

The event was organised by Tina Gallagher from Grandparents United for Children and chaired by Jasvinder Sanghera, a prominent advocate for women’s human rights. The conference provided an important platform for grandparents, academics, legal practitioners, and child welfare professionals to share their experiences and expertise.

The conference featured the perspectives of both grandparents and grandchildren. It also included a poignant and personal address from Jay Kontzle, an actor from the popular ITV soap opera Emmerdale Farm.

Jay’s heartfelt reflections on being raised by his maternal grandparents resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing the importance of intergenerational relationships and how grandparents can influence the identity of their grandchildren.

Overall, the Grandparents United for Children Conference was a success, fostering thought-provoking conversations, and serving as a catalyst for meaningful action to support grandparents and grandchildren facing these challenging circumstances.

Drs. Bendall and Davey are currently recruiting grandparents, mediators, and solicitors for a research study on their experiences of court and mediation. If you are interested or know someone else who would like to participate, please contact Dr. Davey at smdave@essex.ac.uk.