UNLESS more volunteers come forward to help run Swindon Family Contact Centre children might not be able to spend precious hours with an estranged parent.

The supported contact centre in Milton Road is a vital lifeline for families dealing with divorce or estrangement, providing a safe and neutral territory for parents to spend time with their youngsters.

But with only six volunteers signed up to offer their support the centre might soon have to close.

"We're really the only contact centre around in the area, so if we close there won't be anywhere for the non-residential parents to see their children," said Fred Tucker, who is one of the volunteers at the centre.

"It's the children who would suffer the most because they're going to miss out on seeing both their parents. The non-resident parent, who is usually the father, will also suffer.

"No one knows what could happen if they can't see their children. It could lead to more domestic violence, it might lead to criminal behaviours. For a lot of people who use it the contact centre is a vital service."

Offering support to a range of different families from couples going through divorce to non-married parents dealing with a dispute, many families are self-referred to the service.

"It's a great way that people can see their children and to create co-operation between the parents, hopefully so they can move on from the contact centre and and have their contact somewhere else," said Fred.

"We really need about three volunteers every Saturday morning, and it's really becoming quite a problem.

"At the moment there are about half a dozen volunteers, but we really need another half a dozen. We almost had to close the contact centre for next week because all the volunteers had other commitments, and we need a bigger pool of people.

"It's not something people have to commit to every week, even if it is only for a couple of hours a month.

"Being a volunteer is also hugely rewarding.

"It is quite an ask to ask people to give up their time but even if it is one hour or two hours it is a huge support to these families."

The Family Contact Centre is open every Saturday at the Health Hydro between 10am and 2pm.

Volunteers are reimbursed expenses for attending.

Anyone interested in finding out more about volunteering can call Carol Gerrard on 01793 845553 or 07900 307348, or email swindonfamilycontact@uwclub.net.

Alternatively visit www.swindonfamilycontactcentre.co.uk.