Official opening

Tracey Currie, Program Development Coordinator for the centre was joined at the opening by County Councillor for South Waterside, Councillor Lee Dunsdon.

Councillor Dunsdon said "This is a brilliant day for young people in Blackfield and Calshot. This is the first children's centre in the New Forest. It's great to see all the children's agencies such as Connexxions and the Forest Bus working with health services, pulling together to provide a complete package for children from birth to late teens."

This new multi-agency unit has everything from UK Online Internet access on a daily basis (Monday to Friday) through to Job Centre Plus drop-in and advice clinic which is available on alternate Tuesdays, helping people into the world of work.

For teenagers needing guidance on issues that affect them, including drugs and alcohol abuse, the Conexxions team are on hand for confidential help on Tuesdays from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Parentline Plus and Time2Talk are also available on alternate Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Educational psychologist will be visiting the centre, on a monthly basis on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., these are pre-bookable appointments, for further information you must contact the centre for dates and appointments.

Forest First Children's Centre

It is an opportunity for mums and dads to come in and get their baby weighed, chat to a health visitor and meet other parents while waiting in the play room with their children.

Primary school age children have an opportunity to join a homework club, which is open every Tuesday and Thursday in term time, from 3:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.  The centre also runs a daily age related "Stay and Play" and "Storytime" sessions at a cost of 20p per family.

The centre also has facilities for "telly talk" a system set up by New Forest District Council for local people to talk face-to-face with officers from the benefits department at the council offices in Lyndhurst.  The service also caters for information about bus pass applications, disability information services and Citizens Advice Bureau on a daily basis.  Local housing associations, Western Challenge and Swaythling run regular monthly surgery at the centre.

Tracey Currie said "We have exciting plans for the future of the Forest First Children's Centre, the centre is open to the whole community."

Tracey Currie with Cllr Lee Dunsdun

As recognition for her success after training as an adult she has been shortlisted for a prestigious award from the "National Institute of Adult Continuing Education".

Tracy first came into contact with the college as a student in 2003 when she returned to learning with the short courses: "Introduction into working with young children" and Paediatric first aid", she subsequently enrolled in a CACHE level II childcare course.

After completing her courses, Tracey used her new skills, networking and her own determination to carve out a career helping families in the local community. Firstly working as a coordinator for Hampshire Children and Families Forum, she really enjoyed making a difference by providing families with local information and informing them about the facilities available in their area.

In her new role as Program Development Coordinator at the centre Tracey is working on a prestigious flagship project. Tracey's nomination for this national award is in recognition for her impressive achievements at work including building a valuable resource in the centre for people in the Waterside.

Totton College wish her every success with the award and with continuing to work to change lives in her local area.