Children's Centres are a space for parents and carers to take their children to play and interact with other children. They are also a place where parents can meet other parents, form friendships and widen their support network. 

What many parents don't know is that Children's Centres are much more than a Stay and Play. In my personal experience, it really helped when I approached the Family Support Worker at my local Children's Centre, who told me about the different workshops and training available in the Borough. I attended quite a few of them.

You can find different kinds of workshops and courses. Most of them provide crèche which makes it fun for the children and lets you focus in your learning. Some courses are related to the care of children, like 'Infant First Aid' and others are meant for you to develop in a professional and personal way, like becoming a 'Community Reporter'. This specific workshop was very enlightening to me and opened a whole new world.

I really encourage you to approach your local Family Support Worker at your Children's Centre and ask for the activity program and information for all the different workshops. This will empower you not just as a parent but as a person. You will get to enjoy parenthood and not get lost in it.

To find your local Children's Centre follow the links below:

http://childrenscentresfinder.direct.gov.uk/

https://www.familyandchildcaretrust.org/

https://www.gov.uk/find-sure-start-childrens-centre

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Hi Maria, 

Thanks for your insightful first piece and welcome to the Community Reporter's family.

I am in agreement that our Children's Centres are so much more than Stay and Play.

This doesn't mean that Stay and Play isn't important, of course it is but there is a wealth of training and info that can help not only mums but especially dads and Carers of our young children as well as for themselves that go untapped.  Your piece helps to remind us of the richness of our Children Centres and their valuable staff.    

I wish you every continued success and I look forward to your next piece. 

Rhonda

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