WEST DORSET: Children's centre signs up 500th user

The project, behind Broadmayne First School in Knighton Lane, is managed by Barnardo’s South West on behalf of Dorset County Council.

It offers links to parenting advice and support, childminding, health services, training and employment.

Broadmayne Sure Start Children’s Centre includes offices, meeting rooms, a creche, kitchen and outdoor play area.

It opened in 2008 and now forms part of a cluster of projects which also cover Piddle Valley and Sherborne.

Barnardo’s team leader Julia Lake said: “We have now registered more than 500 parents and children - which is a large number for such a small area - but we know there are many more people who could benefit from our help.

“We provide a wide range of activities throughout the week, bringing local agencies and voluntary groups together to provide a ‘one-stop-shop’ for all kinds of free information and advice.

“This includes play sessions, first aid training, toy hire, arts and crafts, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and baby massage.

“Children’s centres are the perfect example of how Barnardo’s has moved with the times to adapt and evolve to face modern challenges, but always remaining true to our purpose of turning young lives around.”

Call Broadmayne Sure Start Children’s Centre on 01305 852843 or email middorset@barnardos.org.uk.

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