A fond farewell to Sure Start

For the Corbishley family, Hollin Sure Start Children’s Centre has been a vital lifeline. Now leaving the Middleton area, to move to the North East, mum Carole Skeoch reflects on her time at the centre. In her words:  “It has been almost exactly four years since I first walked through the doors at Hollin Sure Start Children’s Centre as a stay at home mum trying to find her way through the maze of modern parenting. I had no family close by, having relocated from Yorkshire over 10 years ago, and my mum was (and still is) suffering from dementia. This meant that all the support and advice that grandparents are so good at giving didn’t exist in my world.

"I couldn’t believe my luck when I happened upon Hollin Children’ Centre. With it’s fabulous facilities and friendly staff, it soon became a regular place to visit. I seemed never to be away what with baby clinic, stay and play sessions, toddler tales and parenting courses galore.

"Eventually I joined the Parents Forum and have been a regular member ever since. What I lifeline the forum has been too! It brings parents together to discuss parenting and other issues and to access the wealth of information available to us through Sure Start.

"All this without having to worry about the children as they are in the creche with Amy and her fab team having great fun. They learn so much.

"When my second son was born I suffered from post-natal depression and it was the dedicated professionals at Hollin who pointed me in the right direction and on the road to a quick recovery.

"Being a Mum with no family around me, I have found the services at the centre a lifeline. The children’s centre has really enriched my early years as a parent and I found the support invaluable for me and my boys. Everyone is always so happy and helpful at Hollin; it always brings a bit of sunshine to our lives every time we visit.

"But now I must say goodbye to everyone as I am heading back to the North East with my family. I want to express my deepest gratitude all those who have played such an important role in my life as a parent. Dylan, Samuel and I are going to miss the sessions at Hollin terribly; I just hope we find a Sure Start Children’s Centre close to our new home.

"Treasure your children’s centre – it’s such a valuable resource for all families with young children.”