Chesterfield child contact centre
First opening its doors in 1993, for more than twenty-five years the Chesterfield Child Contact Centre has provided a safe, friendly, neutral environment for hundreds of children from separated families to spend some quality time with their non-resident parent (and sometimes other family members).
Its child-centred environment provides toys, games and facilities that reflect the diverse needs of children affected by family breakdown.
The centre is staffed entirely by volunteers and runs every Saturday between 11.30 and 4.30. Volunteers are expected to volunteer for a full session or a half session every 4-6 weeks by signing on a flexible rota.
Volunteers don’t have to have had children of their own, they just need to like children and have time to spare.
A volunteer at the Child Contact Centre is primarily responsible for facilitating meaningful contact between a child or children and a non-resident parent, by:
Helping to prepare the Centre before children arrive
- Welcoming families and showing them around.
- Listening to adults and children without judging, advising or taking sides.
- Making and serving refreshments.
- Tidying up, once the centre is closed.
What qualities do volunteers need?
Volunteers need to be:
- Impartial
- Caring
- Tolerant
- Sensitive
- Flexible
- Discreet
- Enthusiastic
- Reliable
They must always put children’s needs first and not take sides with either parent or any other adult involved in the contact.
Volunteers must be over 18 years of age.