Families flock to centre opening

A NEW family centre will offer support for parents and fun for children. The Kindred Family Centre opened officially at 65 to 67, Les Genats Estate, yesterday, following the success of the Welcom'In in the Grand Bouet. While providing an invaluable facility for the many families on the island's second-largest estate, it is open to any under-13 or adult relative. It offers drop-ins for families, mum and toddler groups, after school clubs and youth groups. Adult courses are also available. 'Our overall aim is to have more centres in estates around the island. If a resource is on people's doorsteps, then they will use it,' said Kay Lindsay, family centre services manager. It also provides advice and support for family members who might feel isolated or have difficulties in life or parenting, she said. 'It's about reaching out to people and pointing them in the right direction. We may not have the answers but we know where to go.' Adult courses including computing, health and literacy were also a big success, boosting people's confidence and helping them to get jobs. The modern, spacious centre occupies the ground floor of three units provided by the Housing Authority and redeveloped by the States Works Department. It has a computer room, group room, art room, two lounges, a large kitchen and manager and staff offices. There is also an outside play area, with more equipment on the way. The budget for the two-year project was about £250,000, but final costing has yet to be established. The community input included fund-raising by parents on the estate, a £1,000 donation from Specsavers and software from Southside Computers. Castel parishioners also donated £1,000 for a computer and printer. 'We feel well supported and intend to set up meetings with residents so we can work with them,' said Mrs Lindsay. The centre has three full-time staff and one part-time, with others for additional cover and volunteers, all of whom team leader Peter Cameron said were vital. The people valued the facility and saw it as somewhere to meet others and interact with the children, he said. 'People say: "I'm really glad I've come as it's cheered me up." It's a safety net for some of them,' said Mr Cameron, who used to work at Le Carrefour Adolescent Centre and was a Mont Varouf classroom assistant. 'Children need stimulation and if you provide that, then they're happier and more developed.' Named by mothers, the centre has been in operation for about six weeks. Mr Cameron said its success had snowballed, mostly through word of mouth. He is looking forward to seeing new faces at the centre, particularly fathers who might be working and have little time with their children. 'We're hoping to put on a dads' breakfast and make relations with the ones on the estate through sporting activities. 'They shouldn't feel excluded because wives and partners use the centre. Hopefully, they will take part and be proactive, even if it's just to give their partners a break.' Children Board president Jean Pritchard said it initiated the family centres with a pilot project at Rue des Marais in the Bouet. 'It proved there is a need for this in areas with a large number of families. We are also looking seriously at a third one in St Martin's, subject to resourcing.' The board worked closely with the Housing Authority on the project, which ties in with its work to provide improved facilities for elderly estate residents, including a communal garden and more parking. 'We are delighted to work with the Children Board to help the community. 'It's very important to invest in children to benefit them and the community,' said authority member and Castel douzaine representative Mark Dorey. * For more information, call the Kindred Family Centre on 253279.