Avenue Child Contact Centre

Children spending time with non-resident parents

Child Contact Centres are child-centred environments that provide toys, games and facilities that reflect the diverse needs of children affected by family breakdown. Staffed entirely by volunteers, the Avenue Child Contact Centre facilitates contact between nonresident parents and their children in a safe and neutral environment.

Child contact centres provide a friendly and neutral place where children of separated families can spend time with one or both parents. The Avenue Child Contact Centre does this by facilitating contact between non-resident parents and their children. Families are referred to the Centre by solicitors or by the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service. Following the referral, appointments are made for the children and parents to meet at the Centre.

Originally, the Centre was established by the Leigh-on-Sea Salvation Army to help separated families. After the organiser retired, a new group of volunteers took over in April 2004; the Centre is currently located at the nearby Avenue Baptist Church.

The experience of having to deal with solicitors and with parents who often do not wish to be at the Centre has provided volunteers with a steep learning curve. However, the volunteers aim to be diplomatic and supportive at all times and hope to continue and improve in the future. The volunteers are currently fundraising to buy newer toys and computer games for the children and parents because most activities must be held within the Centre.

The Centre is staffed entirely by 22 volunteers, some of whom help at every session. The Centre is open on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month.

Quotes

“I am pleased to help with Contact Centre and hope to help, within the team, to improve the quality of contact in a warm, calm, atmosphere.” — A volunteer

“Through volunteering at the Contact Centre I have become aware of how much hurt and sadness separation brings to individuals and their children.” — A volunteer

“Thank you for your help. I was really nervous when I came here today, but you have made me feel welcome.” — A father

Contact

Parents and children must be referred to this service by their solicitor or CAFCASS officer. Avenue Child Contact Centre are unable to deal directly with parents between contact sessions.

For more information, email: contact.avenue@virgin.net