Gateshead Mayor Cllr Maureen Chaplin opens the new centre
Bensham families have a new Children's Centre on the doorstep to offer help and support.
Gateshead Mayor, Councillor Maureen Chaplin, officially opened Bensham Children's Centre, which is based on Liddell Terrace in Gateshead, on Sunday (13th July). The centre will serve hundreds of families in the local area, offering information and support services for children aged between 0-5.
32-year-old Zoe Robinson is one of the people who will benefit from the new Centre.
Zoe, who has a three-year-old daughter Lily, said: "As a single mum with no family support network living nearby, I find motherhood very isolating.
"Having a Centre like this on the doorstep is a godsend as it can help me to link up with other mums and access vital health information."
Specially designed as a friendly, relaxed and accessible space, the centre provides a central point for families to find out about local activity groups and all areas of children's health and development - from speech therapy and immunisations to healthy eating and starting school.
Dozens of Bensham families turned out to watch the Centre officially opened by the Mayor and to see hundreds of balloons released to the lifting sound of an African choir.
Loads of children's activities were also laid on as part of the event, such as an arty area, a bug hunt, sensory play and body painting
The Mayor unveiled an artwork to mark the opening, featuring more than 200 local children's handprints and pictures.
Councillor Catherine Donovan, cabinet member for children and young people, said: "Having young children can be tough, and sometimes isolating, so we want to make sure that Gateshead parents and carers don't feel alone. People no longer have to sit at home tearing their hair out - we're here on their doorstep, ready and able to help.
"Whether it's finding somewhere to go to keep the children entertained and meet other people or just a query about your child's development, the centre will help you find the answer.
"And what better way to mark the launch, than with masses of children's activities and a community festival.
"We hope that local residents will find the new facility useful."
Bensham Children's Centre will open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. For more information on the centre, please call Laura Atkinson on (0191) 433 6453.