John and Margaret's story: transported to another world

John and Margaret's story: transported to another world

John and Margaret are grandparents who provide kinship care to their three grandchildren. The youngest child is autistic, while the older twins have global developmental delay syndrome and require additional support with many aspects of daily life. Alongside their caring responsibilities for the children, John and Margaret continue to support their adult daughter, who experiences alcohol and substance misuse challenges, regularly checking in on her wellbeing and offering emotional support whenever they can.

After a particularly demanding few months, their social worker encouraged them to apply to the Time to Live fund. Through a microgrant, they were able to put funding towards a special weekend break to London, travelling by train and visiting the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour.

"The children absolutely love Harry Potter. We read the books together at bedtime and they watch the films regularly. After a particularly difficult few months, it was wonderful to have a break together and simply enjoy spending quality time with one another." 

The short break provided the family with an opportunity to step away from the pressures and routines of everyday life. Caring for three children with additional support needs can be physically and emotionally demanding and finding time to relax together as a family is often difficult. The break gave John and Margaret the chance to recharge, reduce stress, and strengthen family bonds through positive shared experiences.

For the children, the visit to Harry Potter Studios brought a favourite story to life. Experiencing the sets, costumes and magical world they know so well from books and films created excitement, enjoyment and a sense of wonder.

The benefits of this short break are expected to be lasting, giving the family treasured memories, photographs and experiences that they can talk about together for years to come. The trip helped strengthen relationships, build resilience and provide a positive focus during challenging times. For the grandparents, it offers valuable respite and recognition of the vital role they play. For the children, it creates a joyful shared experience that celebrates their interests, encourages connection and reinforces their sense of belonging within a loving and supportive family.

Find out more about Time to Live here.