February 26, 2010: Valence Children's Centre at Castle Point Officially Opened
Press Release
26.02.10
Friday 26th February saw the grand opening of Valence Children’s Centre at Castle Point. The 17th of 18 new children’s centres in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and the 4th in the Borough to be developed and run by LifeLine Community Projects.
The local social enterprise LifeLine has a wide range of provision running in the area and many of these services have already seen local people access Castle Point as a community hub. As the building was officially opened as a Children’s Centre by Helen Jenner London Borough of Barking and Dagenham’s Corporate Director of Children’s Services, some of LifeLine’s beneficiaries gave testament to the support and high level of service offered by LifeLine.
Local Mum Hetti Sizibo spoke about the relief she felt when bringing her disabled child to a club which encouraged families to play together “we are able to bring all 4 kids to 'The Monday Club' and it is great to see the others play alongside their brother, whilst I talk to other parents in the same situation” Hetti went on to talk about her involvement in another LifeLine run programme – Personal Best. With opportunities to volunteer at the 2012 Olympics the programme prepares candidates to go back to work “I have gained so much confidence, and see my volunteer placements as a way of giving back”.
Next to speak was 15 year old Aaron. This young student attends the LifeLine Institute – a year 11 school for those unable to obtain a place in mainstream education. Aaron spoke about the mentoring scheme (called VIP, Vision, Identity and Purpose) and the positive effect it has had on him. Describing his mentor as “an older version of himself” Aaron went on to say that his mentor helps him make life choices and push himself to do beneficial things that were out of his comfort zone – such as to stand up in front of a room full of council members and parents for an interview! When asked if he would recommend the mentoring scheme to others his response was “yeah definitely, its like having an older brother or sister, or a best friend that you can trust”
Valence Children’s Centre at Castle Point has also played host to the community for a number of events run by Switch ID. A video outlining the work of this award winning youth group was played at the children’s centre opening, highlighting the importance of engaging the different generations within the borough.
“children are a huge part of our community” commented Helen Jennings as she addressed the room full of parents, children, staff and other council members “ I would like to say a big thank you to LifeLine who had no capital for this Children’s Centre- but with dedication to children and making a change to families and the community, have created a fantastic Children’s Centre” before cutting the ribbon alongside LifeLine’s Chief Executive, Councillor Jennings said “the future of the boroughs children is brighter than ever before”
Notes to editors:
Contact details
For more information and photography of the event, please contact:
Elspeth Paisley, Communications Manager
LifeLine House, Neville Road, Dagenham Essex RM8 3QS
T: 020 8597 2900 F: 020 8597 1990 M: 07500 842 901
Press Release26.02.10
Friday 26th February saw the grand opening of Valence Children’s Centre at Castle Point. The 17th of 18 new children’s centres in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and the 4th in the Borough to be developed and run by LifeLine Community Projects.
The local social enterprise LifeLine has a wide range of provision running in the area and many of these services have already seen local people access Castle Point as a community hub. As the building was officially opened as a Children’s Centre by Helen Jenner London Borough of Barking and Dagenham’s Corporate Director of Children’s Services, some of LifeLine’s beneficiaries gave testament to the support and high level of service offered by LifeLine.
Local Mum Hetti Sizibo spoke about the relief she felt when bringing her disabled child to a club which encouraged families to play together “we are able to bring all 4 kids to 'The Monday Club' and it is great to see the others play alongside their brother, whilst I talk to other parents in the same situation” Hetti went on to talk about her involvement in another LifeLine run programme – Personal Best. With opportunities to volunteer at the 2012 Olympics the programme prepares candidates to go back to work “I have gained so much confidence, and see my volunteer placements as a way of giving back”.
Next to speak was 15 year old Aaron. This young student attends the LifeLine Institute – a year 11 school for those unable to obtain a place in mainstream education. Aaron spoke about the mentoring scheme (called VIP, Vision, Identity and Purpose) and the positive effect it has had on him. Describing his mentor as “an older version of himself” Aaron went on to say that his mentor helps him make life choices and push himself to do beneficial things that were out of his comfort zone – such as to stand up in front of a room full of council members and parents for an interview! When asked if he would recommend the mentoring scheme to others his response was “yeah definitely, its like having an older brother or sister, or a best friend that you can trust”
Valence Children’s Centre at Castle Point has also played host to the community for a number of events run by Switch ID. A video outlining the work of this award winning youth group was played at the children’s centre opening, highlighting the importance of engaging the different generations within the borough.
“children are a huge part of our community” commented Helen Jennings as she addressed the room full of parents, children, staff and other council members “ I would like to say a big thank you to LifeLine who had no capital for this Children’s Centre- but with dedication to children and making a change to families and the community, have created a fantastic Children’s Centre” before cutting the ribbon alongside LifeLine’s Chief Executive, Councillor Jennings said “the future of the boroughs children is brighter than ever before”
Notes to editors:
Contact details
For more information and photography of the event, please contact:
Elspeth Paisley, Communications Manager
LifeLine House, Neville Road, Dagenham Essex RM8 3QS
T: 020 8597 2900 F: 020 8597 1990 M: 07500 842 901
January 18, 2010: LifeLine open 4th Children's Centre
The Mayesbrook Children’s Centre Opening took place today to a room packed full of council members and health professionals, as well as LifeLine's own children’s centre staff. Councillor Rocky Gill, Executive member for Children’s Services and Helen Jenner, Corporate Director of children’s Services spoke at the event, and two parents gave a personal testimony regarding their experience at LifeLine Children’s Centres.
Helen Jenner said she was delighted that this was the second children’s centre opening that she’d had the priviledge of attending since being in post in September. She stressed the importance of working with children whilst they are young saying “the difference is incredible and it’s down to the work of the practitioners. Thanks to LifeLine who are working in four phase 3 Children’s Centres. Our partnership is robust and you have brought new challenges to the borough as we have to you” she added “Children’s Centres are really important to communities”.
Grandparent Sandra Wiltshire also spoke with passion about the importance of partnerships formed between different organisations in the community.
The event concluded with Christine Pryor, Head of Integrated Family Services speaking about the building’s environmental benefits, before commenting “the quality of the collaborative relationship between the Borough, LifeLine and the local parents continues to build”
Valence Children’s Centre at Castle Point is set to formally open at the end of February.
The Mayesbrook Children’s Centre Opening took place today to a room packed full of council members and health professionals, as well as LifeLine's own children’s centre staff. Councillor Rocky Gill, Executive member for Children’s Services and Helen Jenner, Corporate Director of children’s Services spoke at the event, and two parents gave a personal testimony regarding their experience at LifeLine Children’s Centres. Helen Jenner said she was delighted that this was the second children’s centre opening that she’d had the priviledge of attending since being in post in September. She stressed the importance of working with children whilst they are young saying “the difference is incredible and it’s down to the work of the practitioners. Thanks to LifeLine who are working in four phase 3 Children’s Centres. Our partnership is robust and you have brought new challenges to the borough as we have to you” she added “Children’s Centres are really important to communities”.
Grandparent Sandra Wiltshire also spoke with passion about the importance of partnerships formed between different organisations in the community.
The event concluded with Christine Pryor, Head of Integrated Family Services speaking about the building’s environmental benefits, before commenting “the quality of the collaborative relationship between the Borough, LifeLine and the local parents continues to build”
Valence Children’s Centre at Castle Point is set to formally open at the end of February.
December 14, 2009: The Giving Machine
LifeLine has been approved as a charity by TheGivingMachine, so that LifeLine, or another chosen charity, can receive donations while you shop online.
While Christmas shopping online, you can use the Giving Machine. Just click on shops via this link: www.thegivingmachine.co.uk/go_shopping.php. This means that every time someone shops with a major retailer like Amazon or Argos, these retailers donate to the charity nominated by the buyer!
LifeLine has been approved as a charity by TheGivingMachine, so that LifeLine, or another chosen charity, can receive donations while you shop online. While Christmas shopping online, you can use the Giving Machine. Just click on shops via this link: www.thegivingmachine.co.uk/go_shopping.php. This means that every time someone shops with a major retailer like Amazon or Argos, these retailers donate to the charity nominated by the buyer!
November 26, 2009: LifeLine wins the 'Volunteering and Participation award' for VIP at the Children and Young People Now Awards!
LifeLine Wins ‘The Volunteering and Participation Award’ for VIP
On the evening of Thursday 26th November, LifeLine attended the 2009 Children and Young People Now award ceremony and were delighted to be the winners of ‘The volunteering and participation award’ for their VIP (Vision, Identity, Purpose). range of projects, which includes SW!TCH ID.
The winners were honoured at a gala dinner opened by Children's Secretary Ed Balls. Ealing Council was the biggest award winner on the night taking away three prizes.
Children and Young People Now said: ‘Congratulations to the people, projects and organisations that have won an award. It was no mean feat - this year we received more than 500 entries, which were judged by a panel of children and young people, and a panel of children's sector professionals.’
LifeLine were additionally highly commended in ‘The Learning Award’ Category for their Alternative School: ‘The LifeLine Institute’. Working with young people in years 10 and 11 who are not in the mainstream school system, LifeLine believe that every young person has the potential to achieve and succeed and so the Institute works with each student to develop a programme of learning which is right for them. The final nomination was for ‘The Parenting Award’
The VIP Project has enabled young people to break new ground by transforming circumstances, inspiring confidence and trust, and feeling empowered. It has supported them to break down the barriers they face in such things as pursuing education, building friendships and developing their identity, as well as feeling passionate about making their community a better place. LifeLine continues to ensure the project is youth-led, strategically linked and easily replicable as a model of best practice, developing partnerships with local authorities, community groups and schools to achieve positive, sustainable outcomes that transform public opinion at both local and national levels.CYP Now editor Ravi Chandiramani said: "These awards really are held in great esteem. That the Secretary of State found time to open our event for the second year running says a lot in itself. All of the finalists showed an amazing level of commitment and there are some great winners to inspire all those who work with the next generation and their families.”
LifeLine Wins ‘The Volunteering and Participation Award’ for VIPOn the evening of Thursday 26th November, LifeLine attended the 2009 Children and Young People Now award ceremony and were delighted to be the winners of ‘The volunteering and participation award’ for their VIP (Vision, Identity, Purpose). range of projects, which includes SW!TCH ID.
The winners were honoured at a gala dinner opened by Children's Secretary Ed Balls. Ealing Council was the biggest award winner on the night taking away three prizes.
Children and Young People Now said: ‘Congratulations to the people, projects and organisations that have won an award. It was no mean feat - this year we received more than 500 entries, which were judged by a panel of children and young people, and a panel of children's sector professionals.’
LifeLine were additionally highly commended in ‘The Learning Award’ Category for their Alternative School: ‘The LifeLine Institute’. Working with young people in years 10 and 11 who are not in the mainstream school system, LifeLine believe that every young person has the potential to achieve and succeed and so the Institute works with each student to develop a programme of learning which is right for them. The final nomination was for ‘The Parenting Award’
The VIP Project has enabled young people to break new ground by transforming circumstances, inspiring confidence and trust, and feeling empowered. It has supported them to break down the barriers they face in such things as pursuing education, building friendships and developing their identity, as well as feeling passionate about making their community a better place. LifeLine continues to ensure the project is youth-led, strategically linked and easily replicable as a model of best practice, developing partnerships with local authorities, community groups and schools to achieve positive, sustainable outcomes that transform public opinion at both local and national levels.CYP Now editor Ravi Chandiramani said: "These awards really are held in great esteem. That the Secretary of State found time to open our event for the second year running says a lot in itself. All of the finalists showed an amazing level of commitment and there are some great winners to inspire all those who work with the next generation and their families.”
November 03, 2009: Launch of Totally Mums, breastfeeding peer supporters programme
LifeLine’s two year Breastfeeding Peer Supporters programme got off to a great start at the official launch event on Monday October 19th. Parents, children, local midwives, health visitors, La Leche League and members of the council gathered to congratulate the voluntary peer supporters who graduated from the pilot programme. Avril McIntyre welcomed guests, speaking of LifeLine’s observation of visionary leaders of programmes or services who have often started out as volunteers. Pam Caldeira, the Breastfeeding Peer Support Programme Co-ordinator was one such person. Pam commented ‘It’s all about Mums supporting Mums – empowering at a crucial time in their lives’.
Funded by Barking and Dagenham NHS and delivered by LifeLine, the supporters will be available to help parents in Queens and King George’s Hospitals as well as offering a support group at Valence children’s centre and by appointment at children’s centres throughout the borough.
Frances Frost, one of the graduating peer supporters speaking at the event observed on the birth of her third child ‘there was very little support for Mums on hospital wards. I could see that the staff at the hospital were very stretched, and so I started to help other Mums on the ward. Having done the excellent La Leche League training I’m looking forward to going into hospital as a peer supporter’.
Key speaker Dr Justin Varney, Assistant Director of Health Improvement, Barking and Dagenham PCT spoke from the heart as he described his days of walking on the wards cradling babies for tired Mums and hard working nurses. He observed his own sister’s stress and fear saying ‘what’s really sad is that most of my sister’s friends were not able to breastfeed. The great thing about this course is having people who can walk the path with you’. Dr Varney endorsed LifeLine’s progress saying ‘This is a huge success, a huge credit to LifeLine and a huge credit to the peer supporters for completing the training. This is one of the programmes that does actually save lives – to have someone come alongside you at the difficult points to reassure are the times that make a difference not only as an individual, but to the community.’
Christine Pryor, Head of Integrated Family Services at LBBD spoke about her own passion for the benefits of breastfeeding saying ‘breastfeeding not only has health and parental bonding benefits, but also is practical, economic and environmental. Mothers need support and practical advise, especially in the early stages when exhaustion sets in. The best person to support is another Mum who’s passionate about breastfeeding.’
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Contact details
For more information, photography of the event or parent success stories, please contact:
Elspeth Paisley, Communications Manager
LifeLine House, Neville Road, Dagenham Essex RM8 3QS
T: 020 8597 2900 F: 020 8597 1990 M: 07500 842 901
LifeLine’s two year Breastfeeding Peer Supporters programme got off to a great start at the official launch event on Monday October 19th. Parents, children, local midwives, health visitors, La Leche League and members of the council gathered to congratulate the voluntary peer supporters who graduated from the pilot programme. Avril McIntyre welcomed guests, speaking of LifeLine’s observation of visionary leaders of programmes or services who have often started out as volunteers. Pam Caldeira, the Breastfeeding Peer Support Programme Co-ordinator was one such person. Pam commented ‘It’s all about Mums supporting Mums – empowering at a crucial time in their lives’.
Funded by Barking and Dagenham NHS and delivered by LifeLine, the supporters will be available to help parents in Queens and King George’s Hospitals as well as offering a support group at Valence children’s centre and by appointment at children’s centres throughout the borough.
Frances Frost, one of the graduating peer supporters speaking at the event observed on the birth of her third child ‘there was very little support for Mums on hospital wards. I could see that the staff at the hospital were very stretched, and so I started to help other Mums on the ward. Having done the excellent La Leche League training I’m looking forward to going into hospital as a peer supporter’.
Key speaker Dr Justin Varney, Assistant Director of Health Improvement, Barking and Dagenham PCT spoke from the heart as he described his days of walking on the wards cradling babies for tired Mums and hard working nurses. He observed his own sister’s stress and fear saying ‘what’s really sad is that most of my sister’s friends were not able to breastfeed. The great thing about this course is having people who can walk the path with you’. Dr Varney endorsed LifeLine’s progress saying ‘This is a huge success, a huge credit to LifeLine and a huge credit to the peer supporters for completing the training. This is one of the programmes that does actually save lives – to have someone come alongside you at the difficult points to reassure are the times that make a difference not only as an individual, but to the community.’
Christine Pryor, Head of Integrated Family Services at LBBD spoke about her own passion for the benefits of breastfeeding saying ‘breastfeeding not only has health and parental bonding benefits, but also is practical, economic and environmental. Mothers need support and practical advise, especially in the early stages when exhaustion sets in. The best person to support is another Mum who’s passionate about breastfeeding.’
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Contact details
For more information, photography of the event or parent success stories, please contact:
Elspeth Paisley, Communications Manager
LifeLine House, Neville Road, Dagenham Essex RM8 3QS
T: 020 8597 2900 F: 020 8597 1990 M: 07500 842 901
November 02, 2009: LifeLine Nominated for 3 Children and Young People Awards
LifeLine has been invited to the prestigious Children and Young People Now Award Ceremony to be held later this month at the Hurlington Club, London. We have been nominated for 3 awards.
o The Learning Award – LifeLine’s Alternative School
LifeLine works with young people in years 10 and 11 who are not in the mainstream school system. We believe that every young person has the potential to achieve and succeed and so the LifeLine Institute works with each student to develop a programme of learning which is right for them.
o The Parenting Award – LifeLine’s Alternative School
LifeLine has so far supported over 4000 parents in a range of programmes to improve family life, such as ‘Strengthening Families, Strengthening Communities’ and ‘Incredible Years’ enabling parents to help their children lead happy, healthy and fulfilling lives safe from harm across the age range, from birth to adolescence.
o The Volunteering and Participation Award – LifeLine’s VIP Project
Through our work with disadvantaged young people, LifeLine has developed the innovative Vision, Identity and Purpose approach (VIP) to personal development. At a time when the public’s perceptionof young people is at an all-time low, the VIP project encourages volunteering and personal and social development that challenges this negative perception around young people.
Read more at http://www.cypnow.co.uk/Awards
LifeLine has been invited to the prestigious Children and Young People Now Award Ceremony to be held later this month at the Hurlington Club, London. We have been nominated for 3 awards.o The Learning Award – LifeLine’s Alternative School
LifeLine works with young people in years 10 and 11 who are not in the mainstream school system. We believe that every young person has the potential to achieve and succeed and so the LifeLine Institute works with each student to develop a programme of learning which is right for them.
o The Parenting Award – LifeLine’s Alternative School
LifeLine has so far supported over 4000 parents in a range of programmes to improve family life, such as ‘Strengthening Families, Strengthening Communities’ and ‘Incredible Years’ enabling parents to help their children lead happy, healthy and fulfilling lives safe from harm across the age range, from birth to adolescence.
o The Volunteering and Participation Award – LifeLine’s VIP Project
Through our work with disadvantaged young people, LifeLine has developed the innovative Vision, Identity and Purpose approach (VIP) to personal development. At a time when the public’s perceptionof young people is at an all-time low, the VIP project encourages volunteering and personal and social development that challenges this negative perception around young people.
Read more at http://www.cypnow.co.uk/Awards
October 24, 2009: Young People: Perceptions Versus Reality
A Young Person’s Perspective
We’ve all read about the terrible state of our young people – violence fueled by cheap booze and drugs - unruly teenagers, drunkenness, vandalism, gang wars, stabbings and even shootings. We now all know to cross the road to avoid young people for fear of suffering foul mouthed abuse or worse.
The figures would suggest that this fear is justified. The knife crime sentencing quarterly briefing from the Ministry of Justice’ recently revealed that in 2008 there were 27,771 offences involving the possession of a knife or offensive weapon resulting in a caution or sentence.
But surely we all know teenagers who aren’t like this. They are respectful, hardworking, and sober. They have vision, identity and purpose.
So let’s look in a bit more detail at these dreadful knife crime figures. Of the 27,771 offences, less than 25% were committed by someone under 18. This means that you are at a much higher risk of being attacked by an adult than you are by a young person.
Does this represent a decrease in youth crime? No. It merely demonstrates how the nation’s Press focuses only on the bad aspects of society. Could it perhaps have more to do with selling newspapers than informing the general public? For the press, it seems, the only good news is bad news.
Young people are aware that the media play a major part in forming people’s perception of them - we’re not happy about this and want to change hearts and minds. In Dagenham this awareness has led young people from LifeLine to do something about it. Under the banner of ‘VIP – Vision, Identity, Purpose’ , which has been endorsed by London 2012, young people have set up ‘flash-mobs’ with a unique twist named ‘SW!TCH ID’.
A ‘flash-mob’ is consists of a group of like-minded people turning up at a pre-determined place, at a pre-determined time - usually to perform what looks like a spontaneous act. One such example is the recent Vodafone™ campaign at Liverpool Street Station.
But the flash-mobs organised by young people from LifeLine have been set up to demonstrate a very different type of activity with the express purpose of
creating a positive impact. Young people go out into their community in high-visibility vests, going door-to-door, talking to residents and offering to pick up
their litter - all in aid of changing the perception of young people.
Nathan Singleton, LifeLine’s Director of Community Development said “I believe that young people are a key component for building community, they have the energy and enthusiasm to change community, to change their future. All we need to do, as youth workers, is to find a way to release that energy in a positive expression, that is what SW!TCH ID has been successful in doing.”
Over the last 9 months 200 young people of SW!TCH ID have collected 63 bags of litter, run 3 flashmobs, 1 community event, knocked on 626 doors and conducted 203 questionnaires.
The next event on the 24th October will demonstrate how parks can be fun and safe for local people. Once again in flashmob style young people will don their high vis vests, invite the local community through a door knocking exercise and go to Valence Park in Dagenham. When there they will clear up dog mess, collect litter and demonstrate how to have fun through a collection of innovative games. The aim is that this group of young people will contrast with the negative press image. The games will be inclusive and will change the atmosphere of the park. The young people will demonstrate how easy it is to make the park safe and seek to set a standard for the rest of the community.
These young people are the leaders of tomorrow and the influencers of today. According to the media we (young people) will be working harder and longer to support today’s leaders in their retirement. We need to help young people today so that they can thrive with this responsibility. A positive attitude, based on a positive image from our elders seems a good place to start. Let’s learn to respect each other.
By Zak A Chandler
For further information about LifeLine or Switch ID please contact Nathan Singleton, LifeLine's Director of Community Development on 020 8597 2900.
A Young Person’s PerspectiveWe’ve all read about the terrible state of our young people – violence fueled by cheap booze and drugs - unruly teenagers, drunkenness, vandalism, gang wars, stabbings and even shootings. We now all know to cross the road to avoid young people for fear of suffering foul mouthed abuse or worse.
The figures would suggest that this fear is justified. The knife crime sentencing quarterly briefing from the Ministry of Justice’ recently revealed that in 2008 there were 27,771 offences involving the possession of a knife or offensive weapon resulting in a caution or sentence.
But surely we all know teenagers who aren’t like this. They are respectful, hardworking, and sober. They have vision, identity and purpose.
So let’s look in a bit more detail at these dreadful knife crime figures. Of the 27,771 offences, less than 25% were committed by someone under 18. This means that you are at a much higher risk of being attacked by an adult than you are by a young person.
Does this represent a decrease in youth crime? No. It merely demonstrates how the nation’s Press focuses only on the bad aspects of society. Could it perhaps have more to do with selling newspapers than informing the general public? For the press, it seems, the only good news is bad news.
Young people are aware that the media play a major part in forming people’s perception of them - we’re not happy about this and want to change hearts and minds. In Dagenham this awareness has led young people from LifeLine to do something about it. Under the banner of ‘VIP – Vision, Identity, Purpose’ , which has been endorsed by London 2012, young people have set up ‘flash-mobs’ with a unique twist named ‘SW!TCH ID’.
A ‘flash-mob’ is consists of a group of like-minded people turning up at a pre-determined place, at a pre-determined time - usually to perform what looks like a spontaneous act. One such example is the recent Vodafone™ campaign at Liverpool Street Station.
But the flash-mobs organised by young people from LifeLine have been set up to demonstrate a very different type of activity with the express purpose of
creating a positive impact. Young people go out into their community in high-visibility vests, going door-to-door, talking to residents and offering to pick up
their litter - all in aid of changing the perception of young people.
Nathan Singleton, LifeLine’s Director of Community Development said “I believe that young people are a key component for building community, they have the energy and enthusiasm to change community, to change their future. All we need to do, as youth workers, is to find a way to release that energy in a positive expression, that is what SW!TCH ID has been successful in doing.”
Over the last 9 months 200 young people of SW!TCH ID have collected 63 bags of litter, run 3 flashmobs, 1 community event, knocked on 626 doors and conducted 203 questionnaires.
The next event on the 24th October will demonstrate how parks can be fun and safe for local people. Once again in flashmob style young people will don their high vis vests, invite the local community through a door knocking exercise and go to Valence Park in Dagenham. When there they will clear up dog mess, collect litter and demonstrate how to have fun through a collection of innovative games. The aim is that this group of young people will contrast with the negative press image. The games will be inclusive and will change the atmosphere of the park. The young people will demonstrate how easy it is to make the park safe and seek to set a standard for the rest of the community.
These young people are the leaders of tomorrow and the influencers of today. According to the media we (young people) will be working harder and longer to support today’s leaders in their retirement. We need to help young people today so that they can thrive with this responsibility. A positive attitude, based on a positive image from our elders seems a good place to start. Let’s learn to respect each other.
By Zak A Chandler
For further information about LifeLine or Switch ID please contact Nathan Singleton, LifeLine's Director of Community Development on 020 8597 2900.
October 21, 2009: Official Opening of Streatham Hub’s Nursery
LifeLine were delighted to be officially welcomed as the delivery partners of 388 Streatham Hub nursery based in the grounds of Streatham United Reformed Church last Wednesday. This new build nursery, part of 388 Streatham Hub Children’s Centre (already managed by LifeLine), is one of 27 commissioned Children’s Centres in Lambeth . It was developed by Streatham URC and Hope in the Communiity to be a community service
The opening event was hosted by Peter Southcombe, Director of Hope in the Community and Regeneration Director for the United Reformed Church Southern Synod.
In his opening remarks he voiced how excited he was about getting to this point, and described it as a ‘new chapter in the life of the church’. Later the Rev. Nigel Udin, Moderator of the URC Southern Synod added ‘the centre will bring great outcomes for not only the community, but also the church, ensuring there is a healthy heart in the support of families.’ He continued ‘working together and helping each other will create a community heart where each industry, skill and goodwill will beat together as one. SURC, Lambeth Council and LifeLine working together will ensure the success of a project which benefits the whole community’
Laura MacFarlane, the Acting Assistant Director of Community Children's Services for Lambeth Council, said the council was “very pleased to have this Children’s Centre in Streatham” adding “it will meet the needs of local families;388 Streatham Hub will be a community hub for all different age groups encouraging and portraying intergenerational work” she highly complimented the hard work of the staff for making it such a huge success.
Reverend Goldring of the Streatham URC concluded by presenting Avril McIntyre, CEO of LifeLine, with the keys to the nursery. On behalf of the congregation he said they owe a huge debt of gratitude to Hope in the Community (HITC) and the United Reformed Church (URC) plus the builders, architects and Lambeth council who made it all possible.
Avril McIntyre, shared her enthusiasm for the families in the locality saying how excited LifeLine are about “this incredible opportunity that bears such aspiring opportunities for parents”.
She spoke warmly about getting to know the people of Lambeth and becoming part of the community sharing LifeLine’s proposals for providing parents with training and employment opportunities within the Children’s Centre. “it is LifeLine’s first time in Lambeth”, Avril commented “We are delighted to be working together in partnership with such a range of service providers. By working together we believe that we can spark a substantial difference in this community.”
The 60 guests that included Lambeth council members, Lambeth Police, Job Centre Plus Consultants, local Children Centre employees and parents were given the opportunity to tour the new nursery and meet the various service providers.
-END-
Notes to editors:
Contact details
For more information, photography of the event please contact:
Elspeth Paisley, Communications Manager
LifeLine House, Neville Road, Dagenham Essex RM8 3QS
T: 020 8597 2900 F: 020 8597 1990 M: 07500 842 901
LifeLine were delighted to be officially welcomed as the delivery partners of 388 Streatham Hub nursery based in the grounds of Streatham United Reformed Church last Wednesday. This new build nursery, part of 388 Streatham Hub Children’s Centre (already managed by LifeLine), is one of 27 commissioned Children’s Centres in Lambeth . It was developed by Streatham URC and Hope in the Communiity to be a community service The opening event was hosted by Peter Southcombe, Director of Hope in the Community and Regeneration Director for the United Reformed Church Southern Synod.
In his opening remarks he voiced how excited he was about getting to this point, and described it as a ‘new chapter in the life of the church’. Later the Rev. Nigel Udin, Moderator of the URC Southern Synod added ‘the centre will bring great outcomes for not only the community, but also the church, ensuring there is a healthy heart in the support of families.’ He continued ‘working together and helping each other will create a community heart where each industry, skill and goodwill will beat together as one. SURC, Lambeth Council and LifeLine working together will ensure the success of a project which benefits the whole community’
Laura MacFarlane, the Acting Assistant Director of Community Children's Services for Lambeth Council, said the council was “very pleased to have this Children’s Centre in Streatham” adding “it will meet the needs of local families;388 Streatham Hub will be a community hub for all different age groups encouraging and portraying intergenerational work” she highly complimented the hard work of the staff for making it such a huge success.
Reverend Goldring of the Streatham URC concluded by presenting Avril McIntyre, CEO of LifeLine, with the keys to the nursery. On behalf of the congregation he said they owe a huge debt of gratitude to Hope in the Community (HITC) and the United Reformed Church (URC) plus the builders, architects and Lambeth council who made it all possible.
Avril McIntyre, shared her enthusiasm for the families in the locality saying how excited LifeLine are about “this incredible opportunity that bears such aspiring opportunities for parents”.
She spoke warmly about getting to know the people of Lambeth and becoming part of the community sharing LifeLine’s proposals for providing parents with training and employment opportunities within the Children’s Centre. “it is LifeLine’s first time in Lambeth”, Avril commented “We are delighted to be working together in partnership with such a range of service providers. By working together we believe that we can spark a substantial difference in this community.”
The 60 guests that included Lambeth council members, Lambeth Police, Job Centre Plus Consultants, local Children Centre employees and parents were given the opportunity to tour the new nursery and meet the various service providers.
-END-
Notes to editors:
Contact details
For more information, photography of the event please contact:
Elspeth Paisley, Communications Manager
LifeLine House, Neville Road, Dagenham Essex RM8 3QS
T: 020 8597 2900 F: 020 8597 1990 M: 07500 842 901
September 24, 2009: Official Opening of Manor Children’s Centre
LifeLine was delighted to celebrate the official opening of Manor Children’s Centre by Cllr. Rocky Gill today. A room packed full of parents, LifeLine staff and representatives from the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham gathered together to witness the launch of the Children’s Centre which provides wide ranging services to families in the Longbridge Ward of the Borough.
Parents, from Barking and Dagenham, have been using the Children’s Centre since it first opened it’s doors in April 2009. Vicky Cook, a local parent said “Coming to Manor has helped me to get out. I’ve used a number of the services at the centre and am about to start volunteering here too. I want to get back to work and using the [passport to employment] job services at the Centre has really helped me on my way.” Another parent, Teresa Aguis, pictured here with daughter Amber Aguis, expressed her gratitude to the packed room, thanking the Children’s Centre staff for all their commitment.
Christine Pryor, Head of Integrated Family Services at the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham spoke about the mutual commitment between LifeLine and LBBD “to improve the welfare of families and children”. She went on to add “The Council has worked in partnership with LifeLine and Manor Infant School to provide the children’s centre. The Centre will offer a range of services including information, advice and support for parents. The quality of services that are provided and responses are what is key. This is a fantastic achievement, well done to all involved”
Cllr Rocky Gill, cabinet member for education and children’s wellbeing was invited to cut the ribbon saying: “I am extremely proud to open Manor Children’s Centre. The centre will offer great opportunities for our young children and help children through their early years.
”The opening of Manor Children’s Centre will give more families the chance to benefit from having the services they need closer to home.”
Guests were invited to look around the centre in an atmosphere that was friendly, with parents and members of the council taking the opportunity to chat to each other. Avril McIntyre, CEO of LifeLine rounded the celebrations off by saying “This is a vital place for parents and children, we are so pleased to be part of this incredible partnership. Thankyou to everyone involved”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Contact details
For more information, photography of the event or parent success stories, please contact:
Elspeth Paisley, Communications Manager
LifeLine House, Neville Road, Dagenham Essex RM8 3QS
T: 020 8597 2900 F: 020 8597 1990 M: 07500 842 901
More information about LifeLine can be found on our website at www.lifelineprojects.co.uk
LifeLine was delighted to celebrate the official opening of Manor Children’s Centre by Cllr. Rocky Gill today. A room packed full of parents, LifeLine staff and representatives from the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham gathered together to witness the launch of the Children’s Centre which provides wide ranging services to families in the Longbridge Ward of the Borough. Parents, from Barking and Dagenham, have been using the Children’s Centre since it first opened it’s doors in April 2009. Vicky Cook, a local parent said “Coming to Manor has helped me to get out. I’ve used a number of the services at the centre and am about to start volunteering here too. I want to get back to work and using the [passport to employment] job services at the Centre has really helped me on my way.” Another parent, Teresa Aguis, pictured here with daughter Amber Aguis, expressed her gratitude to the packed room, thanking the Children’s Centre staff for all their commitment.
Christine Pryor, Head of Integrated Family Services at the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham spoke about the mutual commitment between LifeLine and LBBD “to improve the welfare of families and children”. She went on to add “The Council has worked in partnership with LifeLine and Manor Infant School to provide the children’s centre. The Centre will offer a range of services including information, advice and support for parents. The quality of services that are provided and responses are what is key. This is a fantastic achievement, well done to all involved”
Cllr Rocky Gill, cabinet member for education and children’s wellbeing was invited to cut the ribbon saying: “I am extremely proud to open Manor Children’s Centre. The centre will offer great opportunities for our young children and help children through their early years.
”The opening of Manor Children’s Centre will give more families the chance to benefit from having the services they need closer to home.”
Guests were invited to look around the centre in an atmosphere that was friendly, with parents and members of the council taking the opportunity to chat to each other. Avril McIntyre, CEO of LifeLine rounded the celebrations off by saying “This is a vital place for parents and children, we are so pleased to be part of this incredible partnership. Thankyou to everyone involved”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Contact details
For more information, photography of the event or parent success stories, please contact:
Elspeth Paisley, Communications Manager
LifeLine House, Neville Road, Dagenham Essex RM8 3QS
T: 020 8597 2900 F: 020 8597 1990 M: 07500 842 901
More information about LifeLine can be found on our website at www.lifelineprojects.co.uk