Reaching Communities
As a result of a National Lottery Grant the Centre has established an innovative partnership with Havering and Brentwood Bereavement Service (HBBS )and the Havering Volunteer Centre. (HVC).
The grant has enabled the Family Centre to develop its monthly Community Hub and to extend its work through the creation of three satellite hubs across the borough.
The grant has allowed HBBS, based at the Family Centre to offer free bereavement counselling and for HVC to extend its work within the voluntary sector.
HBBS Counselling, Havering Volunteer Centre and Ardleigh Green Family Centre are delighted to be working together on a National Lottery funded community project supporting people in our local area.
Through sharing our expertise, knowledge and experience we have been able to pool and consolidate our strengths to provide a range of services across the Borough of Havering ranging from Baby Clubs,
telephone befriending services, free adult counselling and so much more focused around Hubs in Ardleigh Green, Hacton, Collier Row and Rainham.
Please check out the websites of our partners by following the links below:
Measuring Success. Shaping the Future
Feedback from a recent Inclusion Quality Mark Inspection which made specific reference to the work of the Ardleigh Green Family Centre……..
The Family Centre has an innovative approach to community support, including a weekly baby club that not only serves as a social gathering point but also plays a crucial role in early identification of children who may need additional support. This proactive approach in early years is instrumental in setting the foundation for effective long-term educational and social support. Additionally, the centre offers a one-to-one counselling room, debt advice through a newly installed debt booth, prenatal/postnatal support and adoptive support.”
“The Family Centre stands as a beacon of inclusive and supportive practice, significantly contributing to the community it serves. The impact this has on both the school and the community is wide-reaching.”
“The Family Centre’s focus on empowering parents through various training plays a crucial role in engaging them in the school community. Providing childcare during meetings and training sessions further facilitates parental involvement, ensuring that they can actively participate in activities that enhance their ability to support their children’s education and well-being.” fostering a supportive network that enriches the lives of many.”
“In partnership with various educational and community organisations, Ardleigh Green doesn’t just function as a school but as a vibrant community hub that inspires aspiration and innovation through shared values of equality and uniqueness. This ethos of moral purpose is at the core of Ardleigh Green’s mission to ensure that every pupil is nurtured in an environment conducive to growth and development.”
Why is the work of the Family Centre so important?
The Family Centre is important because it breaks down barriers between school and community, creating a welcoming, accessible space where families can access holistic support. It recognises that children’s educational success is intrinsically linked to their families’ wellbeing and provides a network of support that addresses physical, emotional, social and mental health needs. By bringing together multiple services under one roof, the Family Centre removes the stigma often associated with seeking help and makes support feel natural and integrated into school life. It embodies the principle of community cohesion and demonstrates our commitment to supporting not just our pupils, but entire families.
The impact of the Family Centre is far-reaching and multifaceted. It provides invaluable opportunities for parent partnership, strengthening the home-school relationship and enabling parents to support their children’s learning more effectively. The Centre has helped our most vulnerable families access essential resources, from Christmas presents and Easter eggs to food vouchers and specialist support services. During the pandemic, the relationships built through the Family Centre enabled us to maintain close contact with our most vulnerable families, supporting them holistically as well as educationally.
