IN 2009 Camelford town held its first Parent Forum. Organised by Cornwall Council's Children and Family Services, this forum is aimed at getting parents more involved in the day to day services offered by the local Children's Centres within Cornwall.

Camelford's main Children's Centre is at

Tintagel with staff ready and waiting to include parents and their children in a range of fun and

educational sessions, such as Stay and Play, talks from the midwife and informative group chats about becoming a parent. This service is also delivered in Camelford itself, mainly at the Souls Harbour facility.

If you would like to know what services are offered in Camelford, please ring the Tintagel Children's Centre on 01840 770050.

However, the new Parent Forum is hoping to get more Mums and Dads involved and ask their opinions on what's best for them at a local level. Children's Centre staff are encouraging more parents to come to the meetings at Souls Harbour for just an hour once every month or so; it's that simple.

The group meets on an informal basis and discusses services that are needed in their town. Through these discussions it is hoped that over time the centres will be more focused on people's needs and react accordingly to the changing times. They especially would like to see more males joining the group; again to gain their invaluable input into service delivery and ask them what they would like to see introduced to their town.

At present, Jason Sculthorpe, Dad's

Co-ordinator, is trying the raise the profile of the Parent Forum and ask more local people to

attend. If you would like to know more, he can be

contacted on 07739 990332 or email [email protected]">[email protected]. He will be pleased to talk to you about the forum and explain its purposes, meeting dates and what to expect.

Mr Sculthorpe said: "Please come to the Parent Forums in Camel­ford. They are designed to help you. Together we can make decisions that improve services and facilities in your area.

"We are asking for both men and women alike to have their say. The meetings are very laid back and not something to be shy about. If you would like to know more please give me a call. See you there."