Focus on... Family Centres

Perhaps my favourite part of CCS's work is their family centres, so I thought I would write a bit about them today. 

St Francis' Family Centre was established in Tower Hamlets, England's worst area for child poverty, in 1986.  It offers a number of services which empower parents to be pro-active in their children's development.  The nursery helps children to be better prepared to benefit from school when they start reception class.  Parents are encouraged to stay with their children so that they can learn how to help their development in the home environment.  The after school club provides stimulating activities for 5-8 year olds.  The toy library is a great way of giving children access to a more varied range of activities in their own homes.  Talks and workshops enable parents to develop the skills they need to help their children meet their full potential.  A fund for holidays and trips gives some families their only opportunity to experience a different environment from inner London.  This is a real family-centred approach which can provide what is needed to escape from the poverty trap.  St Francis will be moving to larger, better-equipped premises before too long.  This will make it possible to provide support to even more families. 

St Mark's Stay and Play is based in North Kensington, an area which contrasts starkly to the affluence of other parts of the Borough.  The Centre provides a toddler group where children can play inside and out with masses of lovely toys and equipment.  This environment is perfect for parents suffering from isolation and poverty; they have the chance to socialise with other people in similar circumstances and to grow in confidence and self-esteem.  They can talk in confidence with staff, who offer support and guidance.  This is a really safe and welcoming place, where parents can find new hope and children can make friends and learn new skills. 

I hope you are as inspired by these projects as I am!  What I love is their inclusivity and their emphasis on empowerment.  Everybody accessing these services is respected as an individual with their own particular capacities and struggles.  They are not patronised, but enabled to turn their hopes for their life into reality.