Childrens Contact Centre,Antrim,Ballymena and Larne

United Kingdom

Contact Details

Nicola Newbury

Opening Hours

We run three contact centres at present based in Ballymena, Larne and Antrim.  Ballymena is open weekly for two hours on a Saturday morning,10-12, while Antrim and Larne open fortnightly, again for two hours on a Saturday morning.

 

The contact Centre offers a safe neutral and child friendly environment where the absent parent can meet with their children. Some of these children may not have seen the parent for some time. The Centre and the volunteers provide an environment where the

Every year relationships breakdown and families separate and in a lot of cases the separation is less than amicable. The biggest losers are the children. Not only do they suffer from the trauma of the family breaking up, but they also lose contact with one of their parents and on occasions grandparents as well. Even when there is some contact, there can be tension and on occasions violence surrounding it.

The contact Centre offers a safe neutral and child friendly environment where the absent parent can meet with their children. Some of these children may not have seen the parent for some time. The Centre and the volunteers provide an environment where they can start building a bond together and also build trust between both parents to a stage where contact can continue outside the Centre.

We run three contact centres at present based in Ballymena, Larne and Antrim.  Ballymena is open weekly for two hours on a Saturday morning, while Antrim and Larne open fortnightly, again for two hours on a Saturday morning.

Its not only absent fathers that attend. We have mothers grandparents and siblings as well. Some stay a few months, others longer. 70% of families who use the centre have moved on to have more positive contact outside the Centre. The families are referred to us from both Social Services and the Courts. 

 

On many occasions we are the last resort for absent parents to renew contact with their children. It is rewarding to see the difference, even within a few weeks, that the contact has on both the parent and the children.

The Centre would not be able to operate but for the work of the volunteers who give up a few hours a month the help run the Centre. All volunteers are fully vetted and receive full training in areas such as child protection and domestic abuse.

Their role each week is to prepare the Centres prior to opening by setting out toys and equipment. During the session they provide support to the parents, particularly new families who may not have had contact with their child for some time and may have difficulty getting started. The volunteers also provide refreshments for the families during the session.  Most find it very rewarding and many have been with the Centre from its opening.

However we are always keen to find new volunteers. If you think you may be interested in helping out as a volunteer you can contact me, Nicola Newbury on my mobile 07944325868 or by email on [email protected] Or have a look at our website www.baccs.org.uk where you

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Type of Organisation

VCSE