The co-founder of a centre supporting children while their parents undergo a divorce has expressed her “sadness” as it faces closure in less than a month.
Watford Child Contact Centre is closing on December 17 due to being unable to find permanent premises – despite being supported by many people in the community including Mayor of Watford Dorothy Thornhill.
Davida Phillips, who lives in Loudwater, set up the contact centre 20 years ago with six others to provide a “safe space” for children unable to see their divorced parents.
After initially setting up in Rickmansworth, they moved over to Beechwood Family Centre in St Albans Road, Watford and would provide picnics in their garden and activities for families who were unable to see each other otherwise.
However, Mrs Phillips says social services decided it was not safe to stay in the premises last year and although the nearby Asda offered a spare community hall, it “was not the same”.
The 79-year-old ex-social worker said: “It is the end of an era and is a great loss, as it was close to my heart.
“We have a team of about 20 volunteers including social workers, dentists and teachers from around the community, who have been such an important part of the centre.
“Over the years we have helped about 1000 families and supported children as when their parent divorce, they not only lose their parents but also their grandparent and other relatives such as their cousins.”
“However, we were in the community hall one day and nobody showed up so we gave it another six months before having a vote and deciding we would just call it a day.”
Mayor Thornhill added: “I feel they were a bridge between children and their families who cannot see each other for various reasons as they provide a safe space.
“Charities like this a big part of the community and is tragic when cuts mean they are no longer able to carry on.
“Those ladies have always been so dedicated and really put their hearts into making it work.”
If you are looking for an alternative centre, visit the NACCC website: http://naccc.org.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here