Sure Start grows

SERVICES for pre-school children in the Torridge area are being expanded. The Sure Start Bideford Children's Centre is extending its range and changing its name. As from yesterday (April 1) the centre and its services, previously available in the Bideford

SERVICES for pre-school children in the Torridge area are being expanded.The Sure Start Bideford Children's Centre is extending its range and changing its name.As from yesterday (April 1) the centre and its services, previously available in the Bideford area, will be available to all families with children under the age of five in an area stretching from Westward Ho! to Welcombe.The centre will also change its name to Bideford Bay Children's Centre.Jane Kivlin, the programme manager, said: "Our name change will reflect the fact that it is not just families in and around the Bideford area that we help and support, but now all families with children under five in Hartland, Clovelly, Woolsery, Bradworthy, Parkham, Alwington and Welcombe as well."The centre offers a range of support to children and their parents, including outreach support, early learning and childcare, parenting advice, health services and help for parents to find work or training. Groups currently running include a young parents' group, dads' group, a group for children with special needs, breastfeeding group and lone parents' group as well as stay and play groups for getting to know other parents and carers."We have been consulting with families, agencies and service providers in our new area since January to find out what services are needed most urgently and will start meeting with families shortly to discuss possible provision with them," said Ms Kivlin.To celebrate the expansion the Bideford Bay Children's Centre will hold an open day on June 4 at its base in Victoria Park, Bideford. For more information on the children's centre, pop in or ring (01237) 425752.