OKEHAMPTON families are to receive more support than ever, now that a new team is finally complete. The Okehampton Children?s Centre, managed by children?s charity Barnardo?s South West, has finished the recruitment of its staff. Temporarily based at the Ockment Centre, they provide an important support service for families with children under five years old, including parenting advice, support for learning and employment and links to local health, education and other organisations. The team consists of children?s services manager Jenny Coleman, local services co-ordinator Ruth Bushell, and administrator Nick Stoneman, play worker Lisa Buckley and children?s centre workers Chris Parsons and Maggi Calvert. Jenny said: ?We now have a complete team of workers who are committed and enthusiastic about providing the very best service for local families. ?Together, we have a wealth of expertise which is being used to transform the lives of children and parents.? Current activities include a rhyme time session on Wednesdays from 1.30pm to 3pm, and a toy library on Fridays from 1.30pm to 3pm, which also visits Sticklepath, North Tawton and South Zeal. Future activities will include soft play sessions and baby massage courses. Jenny added: ?Although the future of our current base is unclear, the future of the children?s centre is safe and it will continue to deliver a wide range of services for local families. ?We welcome interest from any other organisations who want to work with us for the benefit of the community.? For further information on the Okehampton Children?s Centre, call 01837 658621 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]
