Parents fearful that cuts to children’s centres will leave families isolated and at risk

TWO weeks ago the SNJ reported on Gloucestershire County Council’s consultation into proposed changes to children support services.

It is planning to reduce the seven children’s centres it funds in the district to just two.

These two service hubs – which would support families with children up to five – would be located in Dursley and Stonehouse.

The move is part of a plan to redesign family support services, so that money can be reinvested into safeguarding and social work.

But the cuts would see the other five children’s centres become community-led and would not be run by professional staff.

Many parents who use these services are concerned that young families could be left isolated and at risk.

Last week Stroud mayor Kevin Cranston spoke to worried parents at Parliament Children’s Centre in Stroud – one of the centres which could see its funding axed.

Meanwhile, a group of mums also met Nailsworth mayor Myles Robinson to stress how much the service in his town means to the community.

Mum Elana Asavei, who regularly uses Parliament Children’s Centre, said it was a lifeline.

“Coming here has been such a comfort, she said. “There is always someone to provide advice and support and it is so friendly.”

At present, these two centres provide a range of services including early year’s education, health and family support, counselling and a range of groups and courses for parents.

Service user Jennifer Wright added: “I understand that cuts need to be made but there must be better ways to achieve this other than closing a centre that provides vital support, advice, friendship and much more for a group that is as important in the community as anyone else and is often overlooked.

“Children’s centres change people’s lives for the better. Take them away and you are failing mums, dads and children.”

Mum Ruth Fasham said the cuts were short-sighted and would only care for those in the most deprived areas.

“Everyone who has a new baby is vulnerable, wherever they live,” she said.

“Everyone needs a community and a helping hand, even for short time.

“We already run volunteer groups here but we couldn’t run them without the qualified support.

“If the centre is community run, who is going to pay to heat it and maintain it? It’s not feasible.”

Stroud Town Council has objected to GCC’s proposals, saying they will result in a loss of some key services and leave families at risk.

Mayor Kevin Cranston said: “It is another example of how cuts in public spending impact upon people’s lives and is something that cannot just be left to the voluntary sector.

“There are still running costs to be covered and centres such as these support families before problems escalate.

“These centres offer universal support and are open to all. Through that approach they are reaching families before problems become major concerns and save the public purse in the long run.”

Nailsworth mayor Myles Robinson said: “I am convinced that there will be serious short and long term consequences if this vital well-run service is cut.

“These services are exceptionally important to young parents who might not otherwise get supportive company and conversation.

“It might be a small cut for GCC but it is a devastating cut for our community.”

Councillor Paul McLain, cabinet member for young people at GCC, stressed no decision had bene made and encouraged people to have their say on the proposals “We’re asking for the people of Stroud to give us feedback on our proposals for centres in their area,” he said.

“These proposals are a targeted and integrated family support service based at The Park and Treetops children and family centres but operating across the whole of the Stroud locality.

“Five Ways, Parliament, Painswick, Nailsworth and Wotton children’s centres will be used for early education and childcare and other universal services run by the local community.”

“There have been no decisions made, so there is no reason to assume that any specific services provided in the community will not continue in the future.

"We want the public to tell us what they think of the proposals and to tell us what they need from the centres. The feedback will help us to determine what changes will be made, and how we deliver the services in the future."

Residents can respond online or by attending one of the drop in sessions that are being held in various locations across the county over the next three months.

Sessions have being organised at Stroud Subscription Rooms from 10am- 12pm on February 1, Dursley Vibe Youth Centre at 10am-12pm on February 16 and then Nailsworth Town Council from 2pm-4pm on February 16.

To have your say visit gloucestershire.gov.uk/familyservices