The Grandparents' Association launched a local branch with a full-day conference at the Salvation Army in Lake Road.
The charity works to build relationships with grandparents and children, and support people fighting for more contact with relativ
es.
The conference saw top speakers from across the country, from lawyers who battle on behalf of grandparents in the family courts to social care experts – including the head of child safeguarding at Portsmouth City Council.
Councillor James Williams, Conservative for Nelson ward, convinced the charity to come to the city and organised yesterday's event.
He said: 'It is really for promoting relationships between families.
'I am concerned at the level of social breakdown.'
Support groups will be set up in the city in future.
For more information on the association visit
grandparents-association.org.uk or for advice and support call the helpline on 0845 4349585.
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