Starting last Friday, campaigners were collecting signatures across B&NES to raise public awareness of the proposed cuts to local Children's Centres as reported in last week's Journal. To date, almost 600 signatures have been collected.
The campaigners' aim is to obtain 1,000 signatures, which will force B&NES Council to look again at the proposed cuts. Since the story broke, more people are discovering the large amount of services that Children's Centres provide.
Children's Centres are there for families, children and parents/carers from 0–11 years. Not only do they provide services for children aged 0–11, but for the wider community as well. For instance, the Citizens' Advice Bureau and Job Centre Plus also provide information at Children's Centres to help parents/carers return to work. Children's Centres not only provide play opportunities and learning experiences, but there are also special group sessions to help new parents with parenting skills, help with breastfeeding for mothers and support for post-natal depression. In these circumstances, Children's Centres are health centres, as well as educational centres.
From April 2015, Children's Centres could be run by volunteers, with B&NES responsible for just three hubs in the area. The Council estimate the cuts will save £2.3 million, but protestors say this is a false economy. The petition is available to sign online until 11th November, with B&NES Cabinet due to discuss the issue on 13th November. Visit: http://tinyurl.com/124ajp7">http://tinyurl.com/124ajp7