Child Contact Centre volunteers receive recognition for three years’ service

The Child Contact Centre is part of the Ballymena Area Children’s Contact Service, which operates in Larne, Antrim and Ballymena. The Larne centre meets in 1st Larne Presbyterian Church hall on alternate Saturdays from 10.00am – 12.00 noon.

Unfortunately there have been and always will be a number of families who find it difficult to agree about the arrangements for their children after a separation or divorce. Sometimes difficulties arise because the adults involved do not trust and do not communicate with each other. Parents, solicitors and the courts faced with these kinds of problems will often turn to a Child Contact Centre for help with arranging contact between the non-resident parent and their children.

A Child Contact Centre is a safe, friendly and neutral place where children of separated families can spend time with one or both parents, and sometimes other family members. It is a child-centred, comfortable and safe environment that puts the needs of children first.

All Child Contact Centres work to agreed and national standards, which ensure that families using them are well cared for. The charity is managed by a committee of local people and the centres are staffed by volunteers who are police checked, fully trained and well supported. Volunteers help to prepare the centre before people arrive, welcome visitors, arrange toys and prepare refreshments.

The National Association of Child Contact Centres recognises the worth of the volunteers’ work in Child Contact Centres, and certificates were presented to 18 local volunteers - Alan Rogers, Alison Craig, Angela Ashe, Beth Rogers, Breige Jackson, Deborah McDowell, Doreen Craig, Fay Tilson, Heather Adair, Jan McKay, Janet Downes, Janet Stubbs, Lian McGavock, Linda Garrett, Lorraine McKay, Paul Johnston, Roisin McKernan and Tina Graffin - who each received their three-year certificates.

Management and staff members at BACCS appreciate the support and commitment in time given by all the volunteers who work in the centres. The management is also indebted to the churches which have allowed the charity to use their premises.

Referral can be made to the centres by telephoning the Co-ordinator on 2563 1681 or by email to [email protected] The website www.baccs.org.uk provides you with further information on what the service provides.