I expect a lot of male readers were watching the football or the rugby on Saturday afternoon, so spare a thought for the dad who made the round trip from Reading to Solihull to see his two young children for a short while at the Children’s Centre in Smith’s Wood. This is only made possible through the willingness of volunteers to staff this facility once a fortnight but many of the parents and grandparents said it was a godsend to enable the absent parent some contact with their child.
I watched the face of a young girl light up to see her dad, a small boy playing Lego while sitting on his dad’s knee and a two year old show Daddy his prize toy.
Family breakdown is sadly all too common but many absent parents are denied access to their children, so a supported contact centre is a neutral ground where this can be addressed. Children can blame themselves when their parents separate or divorce and they need to realise that it wasn’t their fault and that both parents still love them, if not each other. No matter how difficult the process and unless there is a danger to the children, it makes sense for each parent to be able to see them, even if only occasionally. That is where Children’s Centres like the one in Smiths Wood have an important role to play. Such is the demand that the volunteers could do with a venue for the older children. For, whilst a nursery setting puts younger children at ease it isn’t so good for the older ones.
If you are reading this and thinking perhaps it could help you then do contact the centre on 0121 777 9873. The contact is supported by a group of dedicated volunteers to make sure the children are safe and these contacts are happy occasions. So maybe you would be inspired to volunteer or donate to this good cause. If so, take a look at their website www.swccc.org.uk or contact them on 0121 777 9873.