30/09/03 - Millom Family Network Centre

Today, Cumbria County Council is delighted to contribute over £21k towards converting 2 spare classrooms at Millom Infant School into a community facility.  A group of schools have been involved over the past few months to create The Millom Family Network Centre.  The Centre will become a centre of excellence in promoting an inclusive community and ensuring services to families and children are provided in a responsive and co-ordinated manner.  

The total capital cost of the project is £67k coming from the Childrens Fund and Cumbria County Council.  The Childrens Fund will also be contributing £50k for the next 2 years to go towards the running costs of the Centre.   

County Councillor Joan Stocker, Cabinet Spokesperson for Education says

“I am delighted that the County Council has been able to contribute to such a worth while project.  This centre is a good example of our Extended Schools Initiative currently being introduced in Cumbria to enhance local and rural services.  The DfES have already given its commitment to create extended schools across the Country, particularly in deprived areas to support local delivery of extended services.  Education is fundamental to securing social development and working in partnership with schools, government agencies and other interested parties is important to make sure everyone can improve their education and skills and have equal opportunities to do so.  We believe the pupils and their families, schools, teaching staff and the wider community could all benefit greatly from these facilities and services.

Councillor Peter Hodgson, Local Councillor for the Millom area says

“This Centre of Excellence is all about locally based, multi agency support for vulnerable children and their families in the Millom area and I am delighted that the County Council has been able to contribute to the project.  The Centre will facilitate multi-agency working that responds to the needs of the area in consultation with the community.  It will be a locally managed centre responding to local needs and empowering local people.”  

Alison Green Centre Co-Ordinator says

“This Centre will improve the provision of services for children and their families by linking local statutory and voluntary services.  It will not only improve outcomes for children with educational, emotional, social or health difficulties but aims to further develop preventative approaches to social exclusion.  The Centre will be committed to developing initiatives that directly benefit the local community.”