Gateshead Mayor Councillor Maureen Chaplin at the new centre with members of the Chopwell community.
Families in Chopwell have a new Children’s Centre on their doorstep to offer them vital support.
Gateshead Mayor, Councillor Maureen Chaplin, officially opened the new facility, on the site of Chopwell Primary School on Derwent Street, on Friday (September 26).
The new centre serves hundreds of families in the local area, offering information and support services for the parents of children under five, with an information hub, multi-purpose room, baby clinic and parent drop-in area.
The space is designed to be friendly, relaxed and accessible, providing 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 Chopwell families turned out to watch the opening, which included a music and movement session, buffet, and singing from local school children.
Councillor Catherine Donovan, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “Having young children can be tough, and sometimes isolating, so we wanted to make sure that Gateshead parents and carers didn’t feel alone.
“The centre is here on their doorstep, ready and able to help, and whether it’s finding somewhere to go to keep the children entertained and meet other people or just a query about a child’s development, this new centre will help find the answer.
“We hope that local residents will find the new facility useful.”