Here you will find a collection of short stories around some families that have attended our contact centres.

In the text, all of the names have been changed to protect identities.

Sally's Story

Sally hadn’t seen her dad for many years.

She wanted to and bravely her mum contacted dad. Between them they agreed that dad and Sally should meet at the local Contact Centre. Although they were nervous the skill and expertise of the volunteers ensured that Sally and her mum and dad, were supported and encouraged in a way that was right for them. That helped dad to accept that Sally’s needs were the most important thing and that the Centre was a safe, comfortable, neutral spot for Sally.

In spite of a hesitant start, over the next two months Sally and her dad’s relationship began to develop and Sally became more relaxed and eventually greeted dad with a smile and a hug. The rapport between them was clearly demonstrated as they laughed and chatted together.

After many months dad asked the volunteers if he could take Sally out – Sally and mum both agreed.
So Sally and dad left the centre each session enjoying time together in the local area. The delight on Sally’s face each time demonstrated the progress achieved and Sally and dad continued to meet at the Contact Centre until Sally’s 16th birthday. Mum and dad both expressed their gratitude to the volunteers, realising that without their help and support Sally would never have re-established her relationship with her dad. “More families should try it” said dad.

A Mother's Story

In spite of her misgivings, a resident mum was encouraged by volunteers to put aside those feelings and allow her two children to rebuild their relationship with their dad at Shropshire Child Contact Centres. The volunteers gave mum much needed reassurance that they would be there for the children and if there was any sign of distress that she would be called on her mobile.

At the centre, they encouraged dad to follow the children’s lead about how they wanted each visit to be, whether it was sitting and talking or playing games, but holding back and allowing them to be themselves. As children relax and are more at ease they will chatter in a way that is right for them, but it requires patience from their mum or dad. Volunteers managed handovers so that the parents avoided awkward meetings at the Centre. They are trained and are well practised at doing this, and smoothing out any potential difficulties.

Both parents were confident that a watchful eye was kept on the children throughout the sessions. Mum’s confidence in dad gradually increased and dad’s negativity towards mum decreased. The children benefited from two less stressed parents and from better quality time with their dad in the knowledge that their mum was no longer worrying about them.

The eldest child said that it had been hard not seeing dad, but that it made things very good for her to see him now. Mum feels that the children really enjoy their time with him. She was glad that with the volunteers’ help she was able to focus on the children’s needs.