A FAMILY centre in Bromyard has urged people to respond to an ongoing consultation about the future of the county’s children’s centres.

Herefordshire Council is consulting on the future use of its 10 centres across the county – including main sites and satellite sites – which support children under the age of five and their families.

One of those centres included is the HOPE Family Centre – based in Bromyard – which works alongside key partners to deliver support on a wide range of early help and intervention.

Sarah Eardley, chief executive officer, said: “Our centre has delivered a variety of essential services to residents of not only Bromyard but the surrounding rural area for nearly 20 years.

“The council has suggested that much of the work that centres such as ours deliver also take place through outreach in the community.

“Whilst this is true our centre is also regularly accessed in person by hundreds of families for whom we provide a necessary, accessible place within the community for different facilities and services such as the sensory room, the café and also family support groups.

“Our concern is that this current review, together with the tender already underway for delivering children’s centre services from April 2018, will have a huge impact upon families and children in Bromyard. It is really important that the local community has its say through the survey."

The Widemarsh Centre in Hereford is another included in the consultation, with the council outlining the possibility of continuing to operate it as a combined facility with the possible longer term aim of a partner organisation taking on the management of the site.

Becks White, who has used the centre as both a mother and teacher, giving dance lessons to toddlers, has praised the centre as a ‘lifeline’ since her daughter was born four years ago.

“They are a great place to go where as a new mum you can feel confident, supported and at ease at a time of great change," she said.

“There's no other establishment like it – you see your midwife there before having the baby then can go for checks, groups, coffee once baby is born.

“I have built up such a community of friends there. No-one judges you but just wraps you in support and offers advice. I think they are absolutely crucial for a child's development, the staff offer every bit of knowledge they have so you can be capable in bringing up your child.”

Natalia Silver, Assistant Director Communities at Herefordshire Council, said the council is keen to hear the views of those who use the centres on the specific proposals being put forward – with changes proposed to 'make the most of the facilities to meet local need'.

“The feedback we receive will be part of any decision made by the Herefordshire Council Cabinet in September 2017, so we would encourage as many parents and carers who use the centres to complete the consultation,” she added.

Visit herefordshire.gov.uk/ccbuildings to complete the survey by Monday, July 17.