Text Size:

|
|
Search the Age Concern website

Grandparents' Day has moved to Sunday 5th October 2008

Grandparents’ Day has moved to Sunday 5th October.  Last year‚ thousands of cards and bunches of flowers were given by families to say thanks to the UK’s 13 million grandparents.

Grandparents' Day has moved to bring it closer to the celebrations that will mark the second UK Older People’s Day on 1st October. Together Age Concern and the Government are calling on the public to recognise the role of grandparents in families and communities across the country.
 
Gordon Lishman‚ Director General of Age Concern‚ said:
“Grandparents are role models‚ friends and carers who contribute so much to families and communities across the country. Grandparents’ Day is everybody’s chance to say thank you for the difference they make. My challenge to the retail sector is to establish this day as firmly with the British public as Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day.”
 
Pensions Minister Mike O’Brien added:
“We can all take those closest to us for granted. On Grandparents’ Day I want people to stop and think about older people especially grandmothers and grandfathers. Think about what they have done for you. The number of older people is growing and we should recognise and celebrate their contribution. Grandparents’ Day is a great chance for us all to show our appreciation.”

For media enquiries please contact Vicky Hatchett‚ DWP Press Office‚ on 0203 267 5121 or Brendan Paddy‚ Age Concern Press Office on 020 8765 7350.

Notes to editors

  1. Grandparents' Day 2008 takes place on Sunday 5th October. It was brought to the UK by Age Concern in 1990.  The national event celebrates the important role grandparents play in society and highlights the special relationship they have with their grandchildren.
  2. UK Older People’s Day will take place on 1st October. Organisations across the UK are being encouraged to hold events to celebrate the aspirations and achievements of people over 50 and tackle outdated stereotypes‚ as well as raising awareness of the benefits and entitlements available to them. This year the focus is on people of all ages working together to build better communities.
  3. For more information on how your organisation could be involved in UK Older People’s Day and detail of sponsorship opportunities‚ please call Phil Martin on 020 7712 2899.

For general enquiries please contact us.

Journalists contact:

Media contact:
Brendan Paddy
Telephone:
020 8765 7350
Out of office hours:
07071 243 243
Email:
Media@ace.org.uk