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Avenue Child Contact Centre

A photo of a hall with childrens toys and desks

The Avenue Child Contact Centre was established in 2004 due to the need for a safe venue for contact for children with separated families. The Avenue Baptist Church, the site of the centre, has a prime location near a park and town centre as well as building parking for easy accessibility. The Contact Centre provides a safe and neutral environment for children to meet non-resident parents, equipped with toys, games, and other items that children may need. All of the money needed to support the Centre is fundraised, as they do not receive any statutory funding. Volunteers commit themselves to ensuring that children are comfortable and supported, and families are able to meet without heavy scrutiny or tension.

2004

In 2004, the Avenue Child Contact Centre was opened in an effort to create safe spaces for children of separated families to spend time with their non-resident parents.

2020

In July 2020, the Contact Centre reopened fully following closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

2022

The Avenue Child Contact Centre raised a total of £2,058.83 through the Co-op UK Community Fund. This went towards supporting the Contact Centre and the children and families who use the program.

2023

The Lions Club of Leigh on the Sea donated over 40 toys, as well as a cheque to buy new Xbox games, to the Avenue Child Contact Centre

2023

Administrator, Nicolette Coleman, received the Charlie’s Award for Staff Service from NACCC, in recognition for her outstanding work done at the Avenue Children Contact Centre.

2024

The Avenue Child Contact Centre held an Easter themed visiting. Children completed Easter egg hunts with their parents, earning a chocolate egg rewards at the end. The kids and their families all enjoyed a nice spring afternoon celebrating.

Image of a table piled with boxed board games and toys

Stories from Avenue Child Contact Centre

"While the circumstances that families arrive here might not be the best, there are happy endings, and I see that what the Contact Centre does is so worthwhile, and I love being part of that."

Listen 04.18

Story: Ariane Bayat - Westcliff-On-Sea

"It just provides a nice sort of insulated environment where the only thing that you have to think about is the time that you spend with your children. That's hugely important."

Listen 06.23

Story: Ian Maine - Essex, Westcliff-On-Sea

"I love children, and to make children's lives better is just wonderful"

Listen 00:05:34

Story: Lindy Pearman - Essex, Westcliff-On-Sea
20240511 131230

"Still here. Because it's something that you can see makes a huge difference. It makes a huge difference to the child."

Listen 00:07:06

Story: Antony Stephenson - Essex, Westcliff-On-Sea
20240511 135552

"And so that's the important thing for me is knowing that the children are really wanting to spend time with their non-resident parent and, and wanting to see them and engage with them.

Listen 00:08:06

Story: Hilary Collins - Essex, Westcliff-On-Sea
20240511 114334

I've been doing this job along with a lot of the other volunteers for 20 years now. It was April, 2004 we started this and here we are 20 years later and still loving it.

Listen 00:10:19

Story: Nicolette Coleman - Essex, Westcliff-On-Sea