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Labour MP Parmjit Dhanda joins in at the Family Haven |
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What's on offer: Links to Children's Activities & Parties.
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Gloucester MP Parmjit Dhanda with Judy and Ben Cera, Seven months old, during a visit to The Family Haven in Gloucester.
Parmjit with Rhys and Emma.
Parmjit discusses menus with Lyn the cook.
Parmjit enjoying a painting session in the creative area at the Haven.
Parmjit chatting with a parent
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City MP Parmjit Dhanda got down to the serious business of play when he visited a charity for needy families. Parmjit Dhanda paid a visit to the Family Haven in Spa Road where he spent time chatting to parents, volunteers, staff and children and joining in activities. Mr Dhanda had visited the centre to see valuable work it does within the community and view first hand the wide range of facilities it has to offer to parents and children. Claire McGrath, Fundraising and Public Relations manager for the charity which helps vulnerable families rebuild their lives, praise the city MP for coming to the Family Haven. " We were delighted to welcome Parmjit to the centre," she said. " He was very impressed with the work we do to help local families and also with the range of facilities available to them. " "The children had great fun with Parmjit and he even took part in a painting session with the children in the creative area. The Haven helps approximately 100 families a year, many of them going on to complete their education and secure employment. However it costs in excess of £170.000 to provide this support - meaning the organisation is always appealing for help raising funds. For further information on The Family Haven or to learn more about donating to the charity contact the centre on 01452 422971 or email info@thefamilyhaven.com.
A view from Labour MP Parmjit Dhanda on the Family Haven which was printed in The Citizen 22nd February 2008.
We have to do more to support vulnerable families in Gloucester, especially in their early years. It is so important that our city's less fortunate receive the support and guidance they need. And there is a great place in our city where this is happening. I would like to congratulate the volunteers and staff of the Family Haven for the important work that they continue to do to support some of the most vulnerable families in Gloucester. I went to visit the centre in Spa Road last Friday and saw for myself how committed and enthusiastic the staff there are about providing help and support to those who need it. The Family Haven has a wonderful nursery and great facilities for children including a well equipped garden play area and a newly opened tumble room. It's a warm and happy environment and the staff there are willing to help in any way they can. And that help is offered not only for the children but also for their families. It is this ethos that lies at the heart of the Family Haven. For the last 20 years the centre has helped hundreds of families throughout our city. The staff there work tirelessly, providing families with the individualised support and advice that they need to deal with their specific circumstances. That can be everything from offering counselling and advocacy to providing support through parenting classes; from helping parents fill in forms and phone agencies to provide advice on welfare and benefits. The centre also offers parents some of the more simple pleasures in life like catching up on some much needed sleep or just having a nice, relaxing, and perhaps most importantly, undisturbed bath. Actress Kate Winslet, the centre's patron, has praised the " life changing and enriching benefits" of the centre for families throughout our city.
Claire McGrath and MP Parmjit Dhanda.
Contact: Lorraine Barrett 01452 422971 31 Spa Road, Gloucester GL1 1UY Email: lorraine@thefamilyhaven.com Website: www.thefamilyhaven.com
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