Bright Beginnings helping up to 100 families a week
UP TO 100 families are being helped each week at the Bright Beginnings children’s centre, the Every Child Our Future impact report on its work has revealed.
The Bright Beginnings Children’s Centre and Nursery opened in 2017 and offers free services in the children’s centre and a combination of free and paid for services in the nursery.
The centre was created to be a place for families to feel comfortable, free from stigma and able to seek support and friendship.
Between 80 and 100 use the centre each week, and of those families, 98.8% felt their needs were being met by the centre. The services range from antenatal classes through to groups supporting toddlers and their caregivers.
There is also one-to-one work, signposting, perinatal and mental health support, a nursery and preschool and an on-site cafe.
Families reported that the staff were helpful, knowledgeable and supportive, and felt they were receiving a quality service.
ECOF chairman Huw Evans was pleased with the impact the centre was having.
‘It is great to see the outcomes positively reflect what we have all been working towards,’ he said.
‘The impact report provides validation that we are moving in the right direction and has been a fantastic way to highlight and celebrate the achievements of all the staff and volunteers involved in running the centre and nursery.’
Like many charities this year, ECOF has been providing support for the community throughout lockdown.
The Bright Beginnings Nursery remained open to support children of families with additional needs and key workers’ children, while the centre was determined to continue delivering support to the wider community.
The usual programme was adapted to offer virtual support groups and initiatives.
All the groups available were hosted on Zoom or Facebook Live, with links being made available through the Bright Beginnings Facebook page. The page was open to the public, and additional private groups were created for new and expectant parents to ask questions, share tips, post photos and support each other in a safe place.
This summer Bright Beginnings will offer extra sessions to a number of children who attend the nursery to continue to prepare them for school, thanks to a donation from the Sarah Groves Foundation.
ECOF board member Rachel Copeland said: ‘We are incredibly proud of, and thankful to, all the staff and our amazing volunteers who put their hearts, time and energy into ensuring families continued to receive support throughout lockdown.
‘The impact report reflects the dedication of the team and the importance of Bright Beginnings’ work to families.’
n Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer for Bright Beginnings can contact Rachel Copeland on 07781 429515.
