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Projects |
People |
Support |
Connect |
opendoor centre
Church Street
Exmouth
EX8 1PE
01395 224218
Alternate Saturdays
2-4pm
This is a safe, friendly, neutral place where children of separated families can spend time with one or both parents, and particularly with the absent parent.
This is a child centred environment providing toys, games, and facilities that reflect the diverse needs of children affected by family breakdown.
Visits are normally by referral. The referral can be made by a social worker, solicitor, family mediator, CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) officer or by Court Order. The person making the referral fills out a referral form and sends it to the Centre Co-ordinator. How often you come to the Centre depends on you and when the Centre is able to accommodate you. It is advisable for you (the parent) and your child or children to come and see the Centre before your first arranged visit. This will help you get to know the Centre and the staff, and make your first visit easier.
Typical comments we’re had from parents have been:
“The contact centre was very welcoming and the volunteers put the children and myself at ease straight away.”
“What’s offered here is much appreciated. We’re left to get on with rebuilding our relationship without interference from staff but with help if we need it.”
We are a part of the National Association of Child Contact Centres.
The contact centre room
From a child…
“When Mum and Dad split up I was glad. The rowing stopped and Mum did not cry anymore. After a while though I began to miss my Dad. When I asked Mum she said it was best that I did not see him, as she didn’t want him coming to the house. Dad must have missed me too because he went to a solicitor who arranged for us to meet at a Child Contact Centre. We have been meeting there for about six months and I always look forward to Saturday afternoons.”
From a parent…
“I was shown into the hall… suddenly the boys came running to me… both shouting: Daddy! Daddy! Big hugs for each one. It was like a rugby scrum only for once I was crying. They had not forgotten me.”
Above quotes courtesy of the National Association of Child Contact Centres
Marion Ley the coordinator for the child contact centre. To contact her for further information click here.