New family room available in Shrewsbury
A new Family Drop-In Room has been opened by Shropshire Council at its Area HQ, The Guildhall in Shrewsbury, to offer another way for parents and carers to gain quality information, advice and support.
The Breastfeeding-Friendly facility was created by the council’s Family Information Service (FIS), which helps parents and carers of children and young people aged up to 19 years old make the best use of childcare and children’s services. The room includes comfortable chairs, toys, children’s books and information leaflets.
As well as providing a space for breastfeeding parents, the room can be visited by parents and carers to discuss their information needs or any issues affecting their family with a member of the team. No appointments are necessary but one-to-one advice sessions can also be booked by calling 01743 254400 if preferred. It is also available for parents to book one-to-one sessions with other council services such as welfare and benefits.
To use the room enter The Guildhall reception opposite the footbridge in Frankwell, and it is signposted from reception.
Councillor Aggie Caesar-Homden, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said:
“The Family Information Service already supports parents and carers through a telephone helpline, text service and face-to-face meetings and assistance. The Family Information Directory, which is an online database featuring local and national organisations and services, is also available, and we have recently launched a Facebook page.
“However, we are working to further increase the ways that parents and carers can learn about, and benefit from the facilities available to them.
“This Family Drop-In Room provides another facility to ensure they have the opportunity to gain access to information, advice and support.”
She added that she was delighted that the drop-in room had been awarded Shropshire Welcomes Breastfeeding status, which enables breastfeeding parents to easily identify premises where they can be sure of a warm welcome.
The FIS has been running for more than 10 years, and since it was launched in 2000 it has dealt with almost 50,000 enquiries from families. The service was the first in the West Midlands to achieve the national Family First Award, which shows that the council delivers a quality service to families, in providing varied information, advice and assistance.
For further information about Shropshire FIS call 01743 254400, email shropshirefis@shropshire.gov.uk or go to www.shropshire.gov.uk/childcare.nsf
