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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
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