Hobson & Porter, Innovation based on tradition

The newly built Fenchurch Street Centre was officially opened on Friday 27th July by Diana Johnson MP culminating in a balloon release with each person who finds and returns a balloon label receiving a prize.

This uniquely designed centre, which has been purpose built by Goodwin Development Trust with funding from the European Development Fund and Yorkshire Forward, provides many services to families in the community in the Wyke area of Hull. The centre hosts the Clockhouse Nursery which offers childcare for children from 6 weeks to 5 years of age, one of Goodwin's Job and Training Advice Centres and the highly acclaimed Newland Doula Volunteers. Working in partnership with the local Primary Care Trust, the centre also provides access for the community to Health Visitor and Midwifery Services.

Commenting on the new centre, Jackie Wright, Programme Manager for Fenchurch Street Centre said, "We are delighted that the centre is now open and that we can provide the services that this community really needs. Although we offer services for children we are really focused on the whole family to help with the many issues and hurdles faced by them from childcare, health and even employment. Many people have worked hard to get us to the position of having these fantastic facilities and I would like to thank everyone who has been involved."

Mr Pat Sullivan who was Chair of the Wyke Area PACT at the inception of the programme but now retired as Chair said, "This centre will be a real benefit to the community in this area. The Wyke Area, until recently, hasn't had the funding available to other areas in Hull but the Wyke PACT and partner organisations such as Goodwin have started to get things moving and given the residents a voice. The Wyke Area Team has also been a great support, especially Tracy Toner for whose assistance I am very grateful. Jackie Wright and her team have really pulled this together and with their dedication and the work of the Wyke PACT Board I'm sure there will be more to come."

Diana Johnson MP on opening the new centre said, "Children's Centres are a key part of the Government's strategy for giving every child a fair start in life and investing in their future. Supporting the family is crucial to building strong communities and the Fenchurch Street Centre will be a focus for this area."

"This new centre is a wonderful facility and demonstrates what can be achieved through partner organisations working together. I am delighted to have opened it."