New family drop-in session in Bishop’s Castle
A new Saturday family drop-in session is being trialled in Bishop’s Castle from November 2011 by Shropshire Council’s Sure Start children’s centres, after a request from members.
The session will be held at Bishop’s Castle children’s centre area base, which is opposite the primary school, on the second Saturday of each month, from 12 November 2011. The session, to take place between 10am and 12noon, will be trialled for three months, and if popular with families the session will continue.
Councillor Ann Hartley, Cabinet member for health and well-being, said:
“Children’s centre services help children aged under five and their families to benefit from high-quality health, care and education support. As part of this, family drop-in sessions are held across the county.
“The sessions give families the chance to enjoy a range of activities, gain advice and support, and meet with other families. This Saturday session also provides an opportunity for parents and carers who work during the week to access the services.
“The views and ideas of parents, carers, partners and staff are instrumental in shaping these services – and will continue to be as we move forward. This is another example of us listening to these views and responding, to ensure the services offer support to as many people as possible and are focusing on those in greatest need.”
Family drop-in sessions are currently held in the week in the area at Bishop’s Castle, Church Stretton, Craven Arms, and Minsterley.
Charlotte Barnes, Shropshire councillor for Bishop’s Castle, said:
“I am really excited about the Saturday sessions in Bishop’s Castle. I know many of the sessions and courses run by the Sure Start centre are already well attended, having taken my two-year-old to many of them.
“The sessions provide a great opportunity for parents and carers who cannot attend any of the weekday sessions due to work or transport issues. They also provide a chance for parents with young families to play and interact with their children in a different environment. Living in such a rural part of Shropshire I think it is great for families to have something new to do.”
Services and support offered by children’s centres include early years services, child and family health services, and support for parents and children with special needs.
For further information about children’s centres go to shropshire.gov.uk/childrenscentres.nsf. For more details about the trial Saturday family drop-in session in Bishop’s Castle, call 01694 723465.
