Barrow - Wednesday 17 October
Workington - Thursday 18 October
Families in Barrow and Workington will find it easier to get hold of information about children's services, getting a job, and training opportunities when two parent information kiosks open for business this week.
Based at Bram Longstaffe Nursery and Children's Centre in Barrow, and NCH Children's Centre in Workington, the kiosks will enable families to browse useful websites and pages such as 'Early Years and Childcare', 'Education, Employment and Money', 'Keeping Healthy' and 'Staying Safe'.
From the kiosks parents can also make calls direct to the county council's Children's Information Service, Jobseeker Direct, Connexions, Parentline Plus and Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service to organise a free home safety check.
The kiosks are brightly coloured to make them clearly visible and they are based in an area of the children's centre that parents and families can easily get access to.
The Barrow and Workington kiosks are two of four pilots being set up in children's centres around the county. They will complement the current work taking place at the centres, and provide information for people in an alternative way. The Lakes Children's Centre in Ambleside opened last month and the final pilot, at Longtown and Bewcastle Children's Centre, opens on 25 October.
On Wednesday 17 October, families can drop in to Bram Longstaffe between 11am and 3.30pm to try out the new kiosk, and for a free competition for children, giveaways - plus a chance to meet Harold the Hedgehog!
The same is on offer at Workington Children's Centre on Nilsson Drive between 1pm and 3pm on Thursday 18 October.
Councillor Jim Buchanan is Cumbria County Council's cabinet member for Children's Wellbeing. He said:
"Children's centres will become the very bedrock of our services to the county's young people and their families in years to come. With 16 open already the aim is to have one in every community by 2010.
"We are committed to providing, through the children's centres, the right services, in the right place, at the right time. These information kiosks we are currently piloting will add to that commitment."
End
Further information from Alison Lister, Media Team, on (01228) 606335.
Notes
Children's centres have been developed as 'one stop shops' for parents - a place where they can get help and information on services in their local area for both themselves and their children. The services they offer include:
- good quality early learning combined with day care
- child and family health services, including antenatal services
- family support services
- a base for a childminder network
- links with Jobcentre Plus to support parents/carers who are considering training or employment
- drop in sessions and other activities for children and carers