6 - Your centre needs you!

Archived news release from 2007

Residents of all ages who would like to get more involved in their community are being invited to join in the fun at a children’s centre in Dudley.

Staff at Priory Children’s Centre are looking for people who have a few hours to spare to join their volunteer panel and take part in a choice of activities.

The centre, in Limes Road, is looking for people to help out with its new vegetable garden, lend a hand with planning events or work with staff in offering information or support to local families.

The volunteer panel aims to help local residents feel part of the work of the centre as well as support them in learning new skills.

Priory Children’s Centre provides early education and childcare for children aged from six weeks to five years. Parents and carers can also access training opportunities, health advice and support and information.

The centre was developed following extensive consultation with families in the area, and children were also asked what they wanted during specialist sessions.

One of the centre’s exciting projects is creating a vegetable garden, which staff hope will help children learn more about the environment around them and encourage them to get into the habit of healthy eating.

“We want to offer the best opportunities for every child and give advice and support to each family.

“We would love to involve the local community in our projects and help them feel part of the work the centre does.”

“The views of the local community helped shape the children’s centre and it would be great to see them involved in the work it is now doing.”

Children’s centres are part of the national Sure Start programme which aims to give every child the best start in life.

Priory Children’s Centre is open 50 weeks a year from 8am to 6pm and caters for children from six weeks.

Six children’s centres have already been set up in Dudley, with a further 11 opening over the coming months. For details about those in your local area contact Dudley’s Children’s Information Service on 01384 814378/9.

To find out more about volunteering at Priory Children’s Centre contact Diane Davies on 01384 812016.