Central Belfast Child Contact Centre Coordinator's Report AGM 1st October 2019
Central Belfast Child Contact Centre provides a safe, friendly and neutral space for children to meet with non resident parents and other family members in a setting which is sUPPOrtive, welcoming and non threatening. The aim of the contact centre is to establish or re-establish and develop contact to a point where the centre 15 no longer required to facilitate contact. Some families attend only for a short time although there are some families who attend for a much longer term. The majority of referrals to the centre are from solicitors but there have been an increasing number of referrals from Social Services. Any such referrals are private law cases rather than public law. th Since October 2018 the centre has been closed on only one Saturday- 13 July 2019. During that time there have been: 150 contact sessions 1,231 family contacts 1,580 children having contact with non resident family members 2,539 adults attending the centre 97 new referrals The centre is generally busy and lively, although during the summer period, attendance numbers usually dip. This is due in part to families being on holiday and to contact moving beyond the centre. The week to week work of the centre does not change greatly. There are minor upsets and disputes but generally these can be resolved. There are currently 74 children using the centre to have contact with mothers, fathers, grandparents and sometimes siblings. One father travels from England for contact once per month. There are currently 35 volunteers at the centre. Training in child safeguarding and online safety awareness has been provided for the volunteers
The centre could not funrtion without the support, skills and experience of the volunteers and the coordinator would like to thank all of them for their commitment to the centre and support to her throughout the year. Juney Johnston continues to receive referrals and provide administrative support The coordinator would like to thankjuney for all her work and support. Paul Cahoon, caretaker of Small Wonders Daycare, is in attendance each week to organise the rooms and move furniture and equipment if required. Paul's help is invaluable and greatly appreciated. Norma Bell provides supervision for the coordinator which is excellent professional and personal support. The coordinator would also like to express her thanks to the Management Committee for their support and assistance during the last year. Margaret Yarr October 2019