Page 7 - link magazine

swindonlink.com • October 2009 7
Youngsters picked for making changes Help for families needing advice

Over 1,000 pupils aged 6 to 16 years attending schools managed by The West Swindon Children’s Centre in Freshbrook has been awarded
Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contractors in North Swindon were a government grant of £40,000 to provide support and advice for
given the chance to enter the John Laing Personal Achievement Awards families of young children who are experiencing financial difficulties
in the last school year. during the recession.
Centre manager
Julie Batson, said the
initiative will run
until March to en-
able the centre to
offer more advice
sessions from the
house in Gainsbor-
ough Way and also
at local schools. “We
are currently working
closely with Oliver
Tomkins and Toothill
Primary Schools, but
hope to expand to
others soon.
John Laing director Richard Groome and Sharon Savage with finalists “We are able to of-
The aim of the award was for school were then chosen to receive fer advice on welfare
all pupils to make a difference in a weekend break at Centre Parcs at benefits, debt and Alison Lowe, deputy centre manager, front, with, from
their lives through changes in per- Longleat with a parent. tax credit as well as left, Marie Rodden, administrator, Janet Donnelly,
sonal, social and health education. Sharon Savage, compliance support for families childcare manager, Lorraine Clark, advice worker
They recorded their progress over manager at John Laing, said, “the who are experiencing
a four month period noting their children recorded their achieve- relationship difficulties triggered by In October the Children’s Centre
level of exercise, healthy eating or ments in so many different ways. the economic crisis.” will open a job club to assist with
self-esteem in a personal achieve- Some succeeded both at school Any families in West Swindon CV writing, improving interview
ment diary. and at home by being more active with children up to the age of techniques and provide guidance
Ten finalists from each of the and cooking healthy meals for the eleven can make use of the sup- on training and future pathways.
six schools - Isambard Commu- family. They also detailed how their port service. West Swindon Children’s Centre
nity School, Brimble Hill, Uplands, confidence had grown, especially The centre is open Monday to Annual General Meeting
Orchid Vale, Moredon and Nova when volunteering at school and Friday, 9.30am to 4pm. Call Lor- Monday 12 October, 12noon
Hreod - were selected to attend a trying new activities. raine Clark or Alison Lowe at the 15 Gainsborough Way, Freshbrook
ceremony to be given award certifi- “It was humbling to read what centre on 871303 to make an ap-
cates. Two lucky winners from each they wrote.” pointment. Refreshments & buffet. All welcome

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