We were delighted to attend Derby Child Contact Centre’s recent open evening, where we were met by some of the trustees and volunteers for an evening of celebration.
Established in 1996, Derby Child Contact Centre – Ruth’s Place is a NACCC accredited independent charity and one of the largest entirely voluntary supported contact centres in the country.
The well attended event was designed to help raise funds and awareness, recognising the significant impact the service has had on local families over the years.
Guests included local dignitaries, businesses, supporters and families who are currently or who have previously used the contact centre. Also in attendance were four young adults who had, as children, experienced the benefit of the centre’s supported family time, a service which enabled them to meet with non-resident family members following divorce or separation in a welcoming, safe, supportive and neutral environment.
Derby Child Contact Centre manager and serving family lawyer, Amanda Moseley, made a short speech detailing the progress of the centre, where it is estimated that around 4,000 children have been supported since its inception in 1996.
Amanda took the opportunity to recognise the importance of the centre’s volunteers, who manage a range of tasks to keep the centre up and running, presenting long-standing volunteers with flowers and words of appreciation for their incredible hard work, commitment and dedication.
The event was also used to officially welcome Her Honour Judge Williscroft, Designated Family Judge for Derby since 2019, as a new patron for the charity.
Having moved premises in early 2020, Derby Child Contact centre operates from a large traditional church/school building based on Green Lane, Derby and provides contact visits for families in the local community.
The centre operates on Saturdays from 10am – 4pm and alternate Sundays from 10am till 4.30pm; offering generous, modern and child-friendly indoor and outdoor spaces where children can enjoy spending supported family time with family members they no longer live with.
The centre has a range of toys and activities for the children to enjoy, alongside a small snack bar serving hot and cold drinks and snacks.
During family separation/divorce, child contact centres may be the only method of contact available for some families. Without them, children can go many months without seeing a non-resident parent and family members whilst official and lengthy court proceedings are determined.
The centre accepts self-referrals from families in and around the Derby area, alongside referrals from local authorities, Cafcass solicitors or the court. In addition to providing supported family time, the centre may also be used as a neutral location for the handover of a child who can be taken out.
More information about Derby Child Contact Centre can be found on NACCC’s webpage.
Volunteers Wanted
Derby Child Contact Centre relies on the support of its volunteers. Everything that goes into running the centre is organised by volunteers, including admin, finance, health and safety, maintenance and DIY, alongside a multitude of tasks undertaken to provide supported family time sessions.
The centre is currently on the lookout for more volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, their team would love to hear from you! For more information about volunteering opportunities at Derby Child Contact Centre, please email: derbychildcontactcentre@gmail.com
