Stepping Stones Contact Centre

Children of separated parents need to meet regularly with the absent parent. Some separated couples may be under a Court Order to ensure the children enjoy the company of the parent who does not normally have care of them. The main problem for many couples in this situation is finding a suitable place to meet. This sometimes needs to be a place where the parents themselves choose not to meet each other.
The Stepping Stones Contact Centre provides neutral ground where parents can leave children with the separated partner.

Willesborough Baptist Church offers areas equipped with toys and play areas for children to use under the supervision of a parent. Drinks and biscuits are provided and there are baby-changing facilities and male and female toilets, including a toilet for the disabled.

Volunteers from the Baptist Church give their time freely to make these facilities available and there is no charge for use of the Centre.

If contact has to be supervised, parents must provide their own Supervisor (unless one has been appointed by the Court and such appointment forms part of a Court Order). Although there is a regular rota of volunteers at the Centre, we cannot take sides in contact disputes and, therefore, cannot undertake the role of a legal Supervisor.

All the facilities and costs of running the Centre are provided free by Willesborough Baptist Church as part of their Christian concern for the community in Ashford. All we ask of you in return is that the facilities are treated with respect and you ensure that your children behave appropriately.
If you are under a Court Order not to leave the Centre with your children without the consent of your partner, then please do not do so.
Please show consideration for other users of the Centre and ensure that your activities do not interfere with their enjoyment.
If you find that you are unable to attend a pre-arranged contact appointment, it is important that you let us know.
We are open from 10.00 am. until 12 noon on alternate Saturdays (unless you are notified otherwise). Please do not expect to enter the Centre outside these times.

We are not a counselling centre nor are we part of the Court system, so please do not ask us to sort out your disputes!
We are, of course, a Christian church and we will be happy to answer any personal questions about our faith.
If you and your partner are in agreement that contact should take place at the Centre and if you are not legally represented, you may make direct contact with the Centre Organiser.

Telephone 01233 629199