b'The Sharing Tree growsHelping grandparents in momentum raise grandchildrenOur Sharing Tree initiative continued to growThe Grandparents Raising Grandchildren over the past year helping older members ofprogram started in 2009 when it was identified the community stay connected and remainthere was a group of grandparents on the independent within their communities. Thisnorthwest coast of Tasmania who were caringneighbourhood points system rewards peoplefor their grandchildren with very little support.for helping each other, while also building socialA growing number of grandparents are connections in communities. The Sharing Treenow taking on the parenting role for their brings together individuals, community andgrandchildren through kinship care. This often sports groups, businesses, community services,means giving up their leisure time and many arts, culture and entertainment organisationsother aspects of their independence. Uniting has across Melbourne to build a powerful resourcesprovided monthly group gatherings and ongoing and skills network. People can earn points by: support to assist these grandparents navigateCompleting a task for someone complex issues, such as moving schools, familyTeaching someone a skill law court challenges, legal problems and more. Uniting has worked with other organisationsLending out equipment to provide training for these grandparents,Volunteering time through community such as how to raise teenagers in a modern services partners. world. Unfortunately, in 2022 this program People can spend points by accessing a range ofdid not receive ongoing funding. However, the activities in their local community. These activitiesgrandparents are now in a much more positive can include participating in arts and craft, leisurespace and equipped with more skills to help and sporting activities, visiting local attractions,raise their grandchildren.learning a new skill, attending a training course or getting help from another member in the network.Find out moreThis program is supported by funding from the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments and Equity Trustees Limited.Uniting Vic.Tas Annual Report 2021-2022 21'