Middleton Rotary Club support Middleton Contact Centre

Carole Hill (centre) receiving a cheque from Rotarians Janice Powell and Ged Heatherington

Middleton Contact Centre co-ordinator Carole Hill spoke at a Middleton Rotary Club meeting about the work of the Centre and inspired Rotarians Janice Powell and Club President Ged Heatherington to volunteer their services to assist the staff.

Initially 'brewing up' and making toast for visitors and staff, therefore allowing the staff more time to focus on their support work.

On their first day, Saturday 27 August, Ged and Janice presented a cheque for £200 to Carole - the money has been raised from Iron Man UK event in July 2015 via Rotary Charity Fundraisers.

When parents’ divorce or separate it can often be difficult for children to keep in touch with both mum and dad, or other family members.

A child contact centre aims to provide a friendly and welcoming place to meet on ‘neutral ground’ where children can meet parents with whom they no longer live, and avoid any tensions attached to home visits.

Other family members such as brothers and sisters, or grandparents may also use the contact centre by agreement.

The contact centre opens alternate Saturdays 9:00 – 11:00 am and visits can last the whole of that period, or just for part (subject to limitations of any court order, if one is in place).

The primary concern of centre staff is to offer impartial support of the child’s right to have contact with both parents, which is very important, and the staff ask that all parties put the children first to make this possible.

The centre staff understand that this may be difficult for the parents, but will ensure to look to make the situation easier for all and the children.

Volunteers are at hand to help, but do not take sides or initiate counselling or advice.

Middleton Rotary Club is looking to continue to raise their profile in the Middleton Community by supporting ordinary people doing extraordinary things.