Children First Derby has been awarded the contract for the provision of Family Time Services for Derby City Council for the 20th consecutive year, in which time it has developed from a limited provision, to a busy high-quality service, providing up to 1000 family time sessions a year for looked after children and young people.
Children First Derby’s Supervised Contact Service focuses on delivering a child centred service, providing a neutral and safe space for children in the care of the local authority to spend time with their loved ones, usually parents and grandparents or other family members.
Anne Marie Macken, Contact Service Manager, said, “I am very proud to have worked for the contact service since it began 20 years ago and I’m delighted that we have continually been awarded this competitive contract, as it is testament to the positive and valuable service we provide.
“The contact team is experienced and committed to promoting positive and meaningful family time for children. Family time is very important in helping children and young people develop their sense of identity and contributes to maintaining relationships and connections within families. It can also assist in children making sense of their past and manage issues of loss and separation. This principle underpins all the work we do and ensures that the service is delivered to meet the needs of the children above all else.”
Both the Contact Service Manager, and the Deputy Contact Service Manager, Carina James have worked at Children First Derby since the Supervised Contact Service was established 20 years ago, providing stability and consistency in the lives of children who have experienced frequent and traumatic disruptions.
The centre in Leopold Street, is well equipped with a range of toys and equipment which reflect the diverse needs of all the children who have family time here. The family rooms provide a great space and equipment suitable for children of all ages and abilities. There is a large enclosed, safe garden, with a range of outdoor furniture and equipment, including basketball, football goals and a newly installed summer house. There is also a large, fully equipped kitchen in which families can cook, bake, or sit down and enjoy a meal together.
Irshad Baqui, CEO, Children First Derby, added, “It is fantastic to have been awarded this prestigious Council contract again and speaks volumes about the service that we provide and of the team here at Children First Derby.
Very few contact centres provide such a range of facilities, and we receive regular and consistent positive feedback from children and families. We aim to provide a welcoming environment, with a homely, relaxed feel as far as possible within a supervised setting.”
For more information please visit: Supervised Family Time – Children First Derby Website
