A Sure Start for Parents and Children in Park End
It is hoped that children aged 0-4 and their parents living in Park End will soon be benefiting from a new purpose built Sure Start Centre. Planning permission was approved for the Centre to be based at Park End School and building works are now complete. The premises will be fully operational at the start of January 2006 and will be open between 8am and 6pm on weekdays.
The Centre will offer a comprehensive range of services and activities for parents and children, extending the work already being done by the Sure Start Local Programme for Pallister Park, Park End, Priestfields and Berwick Hills. There are already centres at the TAD Centre and Berwick Hill Housing Office, but these are not within the required pram pushing’ distance for families in Park End.
There will be lots of different opportunities for parents and children to be involved, from taking part in activities to helping to manage the Centre. Jacqui Callaghan, programme manager says:
"Parents and children are at the heart of everything we do. We could not run the programme without our parents, who advise, support and evaluate our work. They tell us what they need and we work together to make sure our Programme gives them what they want."
The Centre will include childcare, healthcare drop in sessions, advice, information and practical support for training, employment, benefits, volunteer training and support and healthy eating . Parenting and ante-natal classes are also on offer for parents-to-be. There will also be lots of fun things to do for parents and children, including craft activities, ‘Jolly Babies’, parents and toddlers groups and dads and kids sessions.
To find out about all the exciting things that are happening in Park End, contact Sure Start: 01642 513019.
