Arranging to see your children at a contact centre can feel overwhelming. It’s often a step taken during a stressful or emotional period, and it’s natural to have questions about how the process works.
Our supported contact centres are designed to provide a safe, supportive environment where children can spend meaningful time with their parents. You’ll have access to as much support as you need at every step, from enquiry, through your first visit, and beyond. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to arrange visits, what to expect, and how to make the experience as smooth as possible for you and your children. At the end, we’ve provided some tips on how to have a positive and successful visit at our contact centres. Step-by-Step Guide to Arranging a Visit with Your Child at Shropshire Child Contact Centres
All contact centres have their own process for helping parents arrange to see their children. This step-by-step guide is how we do it in Shropshire. If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Step 1: Contact Us
We have contact centres in:
It doesn’t matter which contact centre you want to arrange to see your child in; you can contact us using the details below Telephone: 07721952857Email: [email protected] One of our friendly volunteers will be happy to hear from you. You will probably speak to Val first. Step 2: The First Call
After you’ve made contact, one of our friendly volunteers will talk to you about your circumstances and how we can help.
Step 3: Scheduling Your First Visit
We don’t turn down families that we can help. It’s our goal to support as many families as possible at our child and family contact centres in Shropshire.
We’ll schedule a visit during our contact centre open hours. Take a look at the location pages for specific opening times at Shrewsbury, Wrekin/Telford, and Oswestry. Step 4: Preparing for Your Visit: What to Bring and What to Expect
To help your child, you can:
We support both sets of parents and their children through the initial visit. We are aware that the resident parent and child will be anxious about being separated; this anxiety can be increased if there has been past trauma. The non-resident parent will also be extremely anxious through fear of rejection by their child, as it may have been some time since they have been together. It can be very upsetting for the non-resident parent at the end of the session, too, when their children leave, and they have to wait two weeks until they see them again. Step 5: Documentation and Identification Requirements
On your first visit, both parents or caregivers need to attend the contact centre. You don’t have to meet each other if you don’t want to. We will work with both parents to organize a mutually beneficial time.
Each parent or caregiver will sit with our volunteer and complete a questionnaire so we can gain a better understanding of your situation and that of your family. Our volunteers do not take sides, nor do they get involved in family dynamics or problems if they are present. Our volunteers will provide a listening ear and encourage a calm and stress-free environment. They can offer helpful advice or assistance in order to help sessions work well. They always remain impartial and don't get involved in any disputes or pass on any messages. Step 6: Your Experience at the Contact Centre Begins
While at the contact centre, our volunteers are available to help with any questions or needs. For example, you might like a drink or a specific toy to play with together.
All of our contact centres are supported (not supervised). This means we do not take reports or report details to courts . Where we are required, we will only confirm to the court that contact has taken place. We will never judge your parenting skills or the way you interact with your child . Tips for a Positive and Successful Visit to the Contact Centre
The contact centre is a positive place for many, and if there are any difficulties, our volunteers are on hand to help.
Here are some extra tips for getting the most out of your visit to our child and family contact centres. Communicate Effectively with Your Child Before the Visit
The resident parent plays an important role in helping their children get ready for contact. If the other parent has been absent for some time, a little reassurance and positivity can make a big difference.
Children tend to settle more easily and enjoy their time at the centre when they feel prepared and supported, rather than hearing negative messages about the other parent. Try:
Bring Your Child’s Favourite Toys
We have toys at our Shropshire contact centres, but you can bring toys or games from home. Bringing familiar items can help children settle. Non-resident parents are welcome to bring toys , games , books and craft activities to use with their child during the visit . A drink or favourite snack is also welcomed .
Maintain a Respectful and Cooperative Relationship with Staff
Remember that contact centre staff are there to facilitate safe visits and remain completely neutral about different family dynamics.
They’re here to help. Respect volunteer guidance and follow their instructions to ensure the visit proceeds smoothly. Building a cooperative relationship with staff can help make future visits productive aswell as fun for everyone Manage Emotions and Expectations for Both Parent and Child
Visits can evoke strong emotions. Stay calm, patient, and flexible, understanding that both you and your child may need time to adjust. Setting realistic expectations can help reduce disappointment and promote a positive experience.
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 When relationships break down, arranging contact with your children can be one of the most difficult and emotional challenges. These challenges become especially complex when one parent, or both, cannot afford a solicitor. Thankfully, there are solutions. In this article, we’ll explain how to access our child contact centres and when a self-referral may be appropriate. In the right cases, self-referral can save a lot of time, money and emotional stress for parents and children. At our child contact centres, we’re here to provide a safe, supportive environment that helps parents maintain positive relationships with their children — even when communication between adults has become strained. What Is a Supported Child Contact Centre? A child contact centre provides a neutral, child-focused environment where children can spend time with the parent or family member they do not live with. The aim is to help families maintain meaningful connections in a safe, supported setting. Our Shropshire Contact Centres are supported and not supervised. This means our team of volunteers do not report to courts. >> For more information on what a Contact Centre is, read this blog. Making a Self-Referral to a Contact Centre Without a Solicitor Many families are unaware that they can access contact centres without needing to go through the courts. Our child contact centres accept self-referrals, meaning either parent or carer can apply directly. However, for a self-referral to be successful, both parties must agree to use the service. 💡 Important note: parents do not have to see each other if they don't want to. Our friendly volunteers are here to help parents. If one parents contacts us, we can help organise our contact with the other parent and help you facilitate drop offs and pick ups to and from our contact centres so everyone is happy. This cooperative approach can be quicker, less stressful, and far more cost-effective than pursuing legal routes. It also helps establish the foundations for a healthy co-parenting relationship, which is essential for your children’s emotional well-being. Why Mediation or Contact Centres Often Work Better Than CourtWhen disagreements arise about child arrangements, it’s natural to feel that court might be the only way forward. However, services like family mediation or a supported child contact centre often offer more constructive solutions. These services can:
By resolving issues collaboratively, you’re not only avoiding unnecessary conflict but also building a stronger co-parenting partnership — something that will benefit your children long after current disagreements are resolved. When Court Involvement Is NecessaryIn some cases, court involvement may still be needed. For example, if there are serious concerns around safety or if communication has completely broken down. The best thing you can do is contact us and speak to one of our volunteers, who will advise if our supported child contact centres will work for you; we hope they will. Building a Positive Co-Parenting RelationshipNo matter which route you take, successful co-parenting depends on maintaining a respectful, cooperative relationship with your child’s other parent.
By choosing to use a supported child contact centre or mediation service, you’re taking an important step towards reducing conflict, improving communication, and ensuring your children can thrive in a stable, supportive environment. At the heart of every family challenge is a shared goal: ensuring children feel loved, secure, and connected to both parents. Whether through a self-referral, mediation, or — if necessary — court involvement, there are pathways to help you move forward. If you’d like to learn more about how our child contact centres can support your family, please get in touch. Our friendly team is here to guide you through every step of the process. For more articles about our supported child contact centres, read:
A child and family contact centre is a safe and supportive environment designed to facilitate contact between children and their non-resident parents or family members.
Contact centres provide support for families navigating separation or divorce, among other complex family challenges. Types of contact centres
There are two types of contact centres.
Supported contact centres
We are Shropshire Child Contact Centres, and we are a supported contact centre.
Supported Contact offers a safe, neutral space where children and parents can spend time together. Our small team of volunteers is on hand to offer help if needed and will check in periodically during the session, but they won’t stay in the room throughout. We don’t supervise the session, and we don’t take notes or compile reports. Supported contact centres are relaxed. Other families may also be using the shared space at the same time, which for some can feel like a playgroup. Supervised contact centres
At Shropshire Child Contact Centres, we do not provide supervised contact.
For your information, a supervised contact session involves a trained supervisor who is present in the room at all times to observe and support the interaction between the child and parent. They will take notes throughout the session, which are later used to create a report. These sessions are private, with one family allocated to a room at a time. Other families may be using the contact centre at the same time, but they will be in separate spaces. What to expect at our Shropshire supported contact centres
At our Shropshire child contact centres, our friendly team arrives at the contact centre early and sets up toys and games for children and parents to use.
Someone from the team will greet parents, and it can be organised so that parents do not see each other. Inside our supported contact centre, we have toys and games that anyone can use. You’re welcome to bring your own, too! While at our contact centres, parents and children can play together, eat together, watch television, or, where it’s appropriate, go for a walk. See opening times for each contact centre below: Supported contact centres are here to support you and encourage parental and child relationships to blossom. Benefits of using supported child contact centres
Supported child contact centres are safe and supportive environments that any family can use. You can self-refer, and you don’t have to involve courts.
Here are some of the benefits of using supported child contact centres. Supporting children and parents during separation or divorceChild and Family Contact Centres offer essential support for families navigating the challenges of separation or divorce by providing a safe space for children to maintain relationships with their non-residential parents. Supported child care centres contribute to the emotional and psychological well-being of children and help reduce conflict and tension during family interactions, allowing for more positive experiences and interactions. One-off cost
There is a one-off payment of £50 and no other charges. Sometimes parents split this depending on circumstances. If the family is struggling financially, this would never prevent them from contact. This fee can also be paid in installments.
The vital role of child and family contact centres
Supported child contact centres play a vital role in fostering connections between children and their non-resident parents or family members.d
By maintaining healthy relationships, families can support the development and well-being of their children in the long term. It is essential for families to consider contact centres as a beneficial option in navigating the complexities of separation or divorce. Our contact centres are open from 2 pm to 4 pm on alternate Saturdays. If you’d like more information about Shropshire’s Child Contact Centres, contact us. For more information about supported contact centres, read:
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