Nottingham Child Contact Centre is celebrating 40 years of invaluable service to families in Nottinghamshire.
Founded in February 1985 by Nottingham Magistrate, Frances Mary Lower (known as Mary), the centre was the first of its kind in the UK. It provides a safe, neutral and welcoming space for children and young people to connect with non-resident parents and family members following a family breakdown.
A Vision That Changed Lives
Mary was inspired to establish the centre while serving as a family court magistrate in Nottingham. After encountering a case where a seven-year-old boy was unable to see his father due to logistical challenges, she recognised the need for dedicated, safe meeting spaces for separated families.
With support from St Andrew’s with Castle Gate United Reform Church and its minister, Hamish Bailey, Mary founded Nottingham Child Contact centre in February 1985. The centre continues to operate from the church hall today, serving as a vital resource for families in need.
A Weekend of Celebrations
To celebrate four decades of service, Nottingham Child Contact Centre – a NACCC accredited centre and registered charity – hosted two special events over the weekend of 15th – 16th February 2025:
- Afternoon Tea event – Hosted in St Andrew’s with Castle Gate Church Hall, on Saturday 15th February
- Thanksgiving Reflection Service, Held at St Andrew’s with Castle Gate Church, on Sunday 16th February.
The Afternoon Tea event welcomed centre volunteers, supporters, and local dignitaries, including The High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, Nick Rubins; Nottinghamshire’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Angela Kandola; Caroline Wheatley (Mary Lower’s daughter); and NACCC Chair, Sharon Scott.
The event began with a welcome speech from Nottingham Child Contact Centre Chair, Sue Warriner, followed by an address by Caroline Wheatley. Committee member, Jean Patterson, then provided an update on the centre’s latest figures.
Past and present volunteers came together to reflect on their experiences, including some who had been involved since the centre’s inception. A historical display featured old newspaper clippings, Mary’s MBE, and the centre’s Queen’s Award for Voluntary service, offering a glimpse into its remarkable journey.
Guests enjoyed a tour of the centre’s facilities, a traditional afternoon tea and a special 40th-anniversary cake, ceremoniously cut by NACCC Chair, Sharon Scott. Expressing her gratitude, Sharon said:
Thank you for inviting NACCC to attend this special milestone event. It has been a wonderful afternoon, and I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many dedicated individuals who contribute to the centre’s success. The volunteers work tirelessly to support local families, and their unwavering commitment is invaluable and deeply appreciated.
Thanksgiving Reflection Service
The celebrations continued with a Thanksgiving Reflection Service led by Reverend Chris Ford. He acknowledged the 40 years of dedicated service provided by Nottingham Child Contact Centre and praised the work of NACCC accredited centres across the country.
During the service, Caroline Wheatley delivered a heartfelt speech:
It just doesn’t seem possible that it’s been 40 years since my mother came home with the idea that a venue was needed to provide a safe place for non-resident parents to have regular contact with their child. She never could have imagined the incredible network of contact centres that would stem from her vision.
She thanked the church for its ongoing support and expressed deep gratitude to all volunteers, past and present, stating:
Let the good work continue both here and around the country, so that her legacy is kept alive, and more children have the chance to build a relationship with both parents, even when they don’t all live as one family.
Continuing the Mission
Following the success of Nottingham Child Contact Centre, Mary went on to establish the National Association of Child Contact Centres (NACCC) in June 1991. Her contributions were recognised in 1995 when she was awarded an MBE for her services to children, and in 2015, Nottingham Child Contact Centre received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Although Mary sadly passed away in 2017, her legacy continues. Today around 300 NACCC accredited centres operate across the UK, providing safe and welcoming spaces for children to meet non-residents parents and family members.
Sarah Hutchinson, Treasurer of Nottingham Child Contact Centre, and a volunteer since 1992, reflected on the centre’s lasting impact:
I find it incredible that Mary’s vision, 40 years on, is still going strong and remains such a vital resource. The commitment and passion of our volunteers continues to drive the centre’s success, ensuring we provide support for families in need.
Looking Ahead
As Nottingham Child Contact Centre celebrates its incredible 40-year milestone, it remains committed to supporting children, young people and families across Nottinghamshire.
The centre is keen to hear from anyone who would be interested in joining the centre, either as a volunteer or as a trustee. Further information about the centre, along with contact details can be found on NACCC’s webpage
