A DEVIZES centre which provides the chance for children from broken homes to see a parent in a safe setting will hold its last session on Saturday (25) after it failed to get enough volunteers.

But supporters hope the Child Contact Centre, which meets at St Andrew's Church in Long Street, Devizes, could re-open if people come forward to join the committee.

Co-ordinator Ellen Fenby was forced to shut the sessions after a number of committee members resigned in quick succession and despite a plea for new people to come forward not enough volunteered.

Kath Saunders, who was the original co-ordinator when the service started 17 years ago, said: "If it does not re-open it will be disastrous for families. Children are likely to loose touch with one of their parents. I know from first hand experience how important the centre is. If it is not there the non-resident parent, who is most often the father, could be lost from a child's life which can have a devastating effect."

The centre was set up to provide a neutral place where children of separated families can have contact with the parent they do not live with, and sometimes other family members, in a comfortable and safe environment.

The centre is usually open for two hours on a Saturday afternoon once a fortnight. Many of the parents using the service are stopped by court orders from seeing their children without supervision and Mrs Saunders fears if it disappears they will lose touch with their youngsters.

She said: "Children are the priority and the volunteers help the parent, who does not see their child very often, to feel comfortable playing with them and rebuilding a relationship."

She said some of the children have seen or heard violent and abusive behaviour and are wary at first. She said: "I saw a boy recently who came to the centre when he was little and is about 20 now.

"He told me how grateful he was that he had been able to build a relationship with his father."

Other similar centres are available in Chippenham, Swindon and Salisbury but Mrs Saunders said it was more likely for people to keep up regular visits if they were held in a town close to where they live and in a building they know.

The sessions are run by at least three volunteers and each volunteer does three or four sessions in six months. Training is provided. The centre is in urgent need of a chairman, treasurer and a family booking co-ordinator.

To find out more email devizeschildcontactcentre@yahoo.co.uk

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