Childrens' centre opens doors

2:20pm Sunday 12th October 2008

STAFF at Eldene Children’s Centre dressed up as pirates to welcome families aboard.

The new centre, which opened in June, is encouraging more parents to come and make use of its free and subsidised services.

As well as Eldene, the centre covers Covingham, Nythe, Liden and Dorcan and currently supports about 40 families.

Youngsters had a go at making cookies and crafts, as well as playing with sand at a special open day yesterday.

Lisa Haines, her baby boy Deegan and 21-month-old daughter Izzy are regular visitors to the centre.

“It is really good and I come on a Tuesday and Thursday,” said the 24-year-old.

“There is always lots of things to amuse the children. When I first came I was very nervous but everybody talks to everybody.”

The centre runs a toddler group on Tuesdays and a play and stay session on Thursday mornings, but is planning to organise more activities depending on people’s needs.

“The building has not been opened very long so we wanted to get as many people to come along as possible to let them know what the centre is about,” said centre manager Nickey Pardoe.

“It is about giving parents opportunities to support their children in complex or simple issues.

“And the outcome for the kids will be great. It makes sure children have a really good start to life.”

The centre is able to help families access health visitors, affordable childcare, breast feeding support, stop smoking support, job seeking advice, entitlement information among other services.

It is a one stop shop and is open to anyone who looks after children aged under five, including grandparents, child minders and foster parents.

The staff at the centre are hoping to get feedback on what services local families need and have asked them to fill out a wall chart of ideas.

For more information call 01793 484100 and 01793 619083.