Added: 20/05/2008

Category: Suffolk County Council

A brand new DVD entitled 'Every Child Matters', an inspirational and heart felt collection of real life stories reflecting the big difference Children's Centres can make on parents and children's lives, was launched today (Tuesday, 20 May) at Meredith Children's Centre, Ipswich.



The real life accounts show how Children's Centres are helping people to develop confidence, make friends and cope with difficult circumstances, so they can better support their children. The inspiring new DVD will be sent to schools, libraries, health and family centres, and can be viewed online on the Children's Centres website.



The DVD premiered for the first time and allowed the audience to experience first hand the difference Children's Centres can make to families' lives across Suffolk. Speaking about the DVD, Patricia O'Brien portfolio holder for Children and Young People's Services, said: "Children's Centres are one of the key projects in making integrated children's services a reality in Suffolk. They are at the heart, and the start of building a deep and lasting difference to outcomes for children and families. The DVD aims to encourage parents to use the Children's Centres in their local area. By showing the benefits of Children's Centres, we hope to give parents the confidence to visit their local centre, and take advantage of the activities on offer. "



Children's Centres enable the best possible start in life for children aged 0-5 in Suffolk. They offer a range of services to meet local needs for families with children from birth to five in a location that is convenient for them. They are places where children can play, socialize, learn and be cared for, while giving parents support. Most Children's Centres provide childcare, early education, informal health and social support, plus information for further help. Some offer baby massage, cookery courses, exercise classes, adult education courses, credit unions, DVD hire and much more. Most services are free, but there are some charges, such as childcare for working parents.

Children's centres are becoming increasingly popular with families. In September 2007 over 8,000 people used the 14 Children's Centres open at the time. That is twice the number compared to the same time in the previous year.
Suffolk County Council is planning to open another 13 children's centres by 2010 and is already thinking about where they should be built. Parents with young children, youth club members, voluntary and private sector partners, schools and local councillors have been involved in community consultations to find the best locations. Professionals in health, education and council services also have an important role to play in informing families about Children's Centres and what they can offer.

Leaflets are also being given out to shoppers this summer, as part of a publicity campaign to highlight what Children's Centres have to offer and encourage parents to visit.

For more information on Children's Centres please visit: www.suffolk.gov.uk/childrenscentres, or alternatively, InfoLink can provide information: www.suffolk.gov.uk/infolink.

Suffolk's Families Information Service can also provide useful information, telephone: 0845 60 800 33, or visit: childcare.planning@educ.suffolkcc.gov.uk