CONTACT
Co-ordinator’s Report for AGM Wednesday 21[st ] January 2026 Zoom
The Mid Ulster Child Contact Centre provides a neutral venue where children from separated families can meet parents and/or other family members in a safe, welcoming environment.
Since September 2024 Mid Ulster Child Contact Centre was able to reestablish sessions in the Magherafelt area and with a slow increase in volunteer numbers and liaising with Hope Magherafelt we have been able to offer weekly sessions in the Hope building.
The venue has been a great success with families and volunteers. Hope have made us feel very welcome and have been extremely helpful. They have provided our families with food hampers at Christmas and are available when we need them.
Recruitment of volunteers has still been slow, but we are seeing an improvement in interest and enrolment. Referral turnover remains to be more transient, and courts are quicker moving families on.
Increasing complex cases and extra need have also been an obstacle in placing families and it is felt they need to be in a venue that is well supervised, secure and the co-ordinator to be present to deal with arising issues.
During 2024 - 2025 Mid Ulster Child Contact Centre facilitated 130 Contact Sessions attended by families with invaluable volunteer hours. MUCCC received 22 referrals from various sources such as Courts, Solicitors and Social Services.
The Volunteers are the 'Core' of Mid Ulster Child Contact Centre, and the reason it is a successful organisation. It is only with the dedication and commitment from our volunteers that we can provide such an important service to the Mid Ulster Community. The role of the volunteer is varied and can be difficult at times, but also very rewarding. Not forgetting the important role of our Management Committee volunteers who keep us on the right path and provide invaluable support for myself especially in difficult times or situations.
Volunteers also give their time to participate in ongoing training available such as Safeguarding, Domestic Abuse and First Aid. We have been able to source online training which has allowed volunteers more flexibility in participating around their own lives and busy schedules. We sincerely appreciate all the time and commitment they continue to give and MUCCC would not be the success it is today without them.
During 2024-2025 we worked with 24 volunteers from all different backgrounds who bring their own unique experience. Their length of service ranges from one month to over twenty years. The wealth of knowledge and expertise is an invaluable asset to MUCCC.
Throughout 2024/2025 our volunteers have given over 1000 direct contact hours to support family contact. Our management committee who are also volunteers have given over 250 hours of service between committee meetings, executive meetings, and the valuable support they offer me.
Minimum wage £12.21 X 1250hrs = £15,262.50
All the above are approximate values and I would be unable to calculate exactly how much time and effort was given from everyone; I am confident it is more.
We were able to show our volunteers a small token of our appreciation by treating them to a meal at the Glenavon. This was a wonderful evening and enjoyed by all.
The role of the Co-ordinator is both complex and challenging but with everyone’s continued support, I hope to do my best for the service, volunteers and the children and families we support. I’d like to thank everyone for their ongoing support and guidance.
Networking with other agencies continues to be a vital element in the role of Coordinator, the links formed with the Court Children’s Officers, Solicitors, Social Services, Volunteer Centre, Hope, Women’s Aid and other community groups assist greatly in easing the pressures encountered by some families and providing training opportunities for our volunteers.
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the support given to us throughout the year.
Special thanks to:
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All the volunteers.
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Geraldine and the Management Committee for all their continued valuable support and guidance.
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Avril our Treasurer for looking after the finances.
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A. Mc Crory and Janice for our accounts.
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NINCCC and the network of co-ordinators for all their support and guidance.
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The Management Committee and staff of Gortalowry House.
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Magherafelt and Cookstown Volunteer Centre for promotion of MUCCC, Access NI checks and recruitment of volunteers.
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Hope Magherafelt for their help and support in the new venue.
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The Northern Health and Social Care Trust who fund the project.
Vanessa Haddon
Centre Coordinator.
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