CHILDREN and their families flooded to a special fun day last week to view plans for a new children's centre for Camelford.
The event, at Camelford Hall on Friday, April 17, included fun activities for youngsters such as mask making, face painting, soft play, a mini gym, refreshments provided by Tommy's and activities run by Delabole Fire Brigade and the Camelford Police Community Support Officer.
More than 80 children and around 45 adults came along on the day.
A raffle was held with a host of prizes from local businesses.
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Parents, carers and children were also invited to say what they would like from their new children's centre to be located on the new Dark Lane site of Camelford Primary School and due to open in summer 2010.
Families had the chance to get involved in plans for a new parents' forum for all children's centres in the area who will meet regularly to help shape children's centre services.
Children's centres are designed for children under five and their families to receive high quality integrated services and information such as access to health and parenting support services, information about training and employment and access to play activities within their community. Principally funded by Sure Start, the centres are administered by Cornwall Council in partnership with a range of service providers.
There are currently 36 designated children's centres across Cornwall. For more information about your local children's centre please contact the Family Information Service on 0800 5878191 or log on to http://www.cornwallfisdirectory.org.uk">www.cornwallfisdirectory.org.uk
Camelford's centre will also offer extended services for young people up to 16 in partnership with the local schools.
Services are already provided for families in Camelford at Souls Harbour on Tuesdays and Wednesdays but the new centre will increase number the activities, clinics, clubs and courses in a purpose built permanent location. Nearby services are also run in Tintagel, Delabole, St Teath, Crackington Haven and Boscastle.
Debbie Babb, Children's Centre Development Manager for Tintagel, Delabole, St Teath and Camelford, said: "It was great to see so many families at our open day and we got a lot of really useful feedback we can use to shape services in Camelford to best meet the needs of local people. Anyone wishing to find out more is more than welcome to get in touch — we greatly value and rely on input from the community."
Anyone wishing to find out more about current services or say what services they would like to see at their new children's centre is welcome to call Debbie Babb on 01840 770050.