Springfield Contact Centre celebrates 20 years

Springfield Child Contact Centre in Upminster celebrates 20 years of bringing families back together.

Springfield Contact Centre in Upminster celebrated it’s 20th anniversary last week with a special service at Upminster Baptist Church.

Around 100 guests attended including staff, committee members, local councillors and local service users including Pinney Talfourd.

Afternoon tea and cakes were served, followed by a thanksgiving service where the Centre Manager spoke about the history of the Centre and also introduced Catherine Polli of Pinney Talfourd Solicitors as the newest member of their committee.

An awards ceremony took place to acknowledge the volunteers who have served over the years. Our local MP presented awards for years in service, including an award for 20 years – since they opened their doors for the first time. The centre provides children from separated, divorced or one parent households a safe, friendly and neutral environment to enjoy the company, and to play with the parent with whom they do not live.

Due to the increase in family breakdowns there is high demand for their help. Time with children in this safe environment helps to rebuild trust between parents, so that in the future they have the confidence to make their own arrangements away from the Centre.

Catherine Polli is a Partner at Pinney Talfourd Solicitors and also Head of the Family Law Department. She has had many cases where the Contact Centre is a valuable tool in maintaining relationships during a break up.

“Without their help many children would not see one of their parents, or even grandparents.” Catherine said. “During their 20 years of operation the Centre has provided a vitally important service to families who would otherwise have struggled to resolve the arrangements for their children. Without the Contact Centre these families would have had no where else to go. I am delighted to be asked to join this committee and hope that we can help many more families to come.”

The Family Team at Pinney Talfourd work closely with counsellors, mediators and contact centres to ensure the most amicable solution to any relationship breakdown. Click here to find out more.