Patron’s reflections 2016-17

As Sarah Eardley so clearly explains in her Chief Executive Officer’s Report, the HOPE Centre continues to thrive but is certainly neither resting on its laurels nor blind to difficulties that may lie ahead. After nearly 20 years of service to the Bromyard community, the range of diverse activities at HOPE continues to change and expand; the very welcome Play Zone at Oscars and the enhanced Contact Centre service being but two examples. Year in and year out, the take-up of the various services provided by HOPE, to those whose need for such provision would not otherwise be met, conclusively demonstrates that these services are not some form ‘optional extra’ but that they provide vital and necessary support to many individuals in this rural community. At HOPE the adage about ‘the proof of the pudding’ is amply demonstrated by the fact that over 2,500 attendances were made in just the last three months; on this basis, the need for what is on offer is most amply proved.

The provision of continued, reliable, insightful and effective support services which have integrity does not just happen; it needs commitment, care and sheer hard work from all those involved. Each of these qualities, and more, are shown in abundance by the team at HOPE. What provision of this nature also needs, however, is funding which is, in like terms, continued, reliable, insightful and effective. This year HOPE has experienced unwelcome funding cuts and adverse contract changes. Typically, the team have responded in an inventive and constructive manner, but the need to access reliable funding remains as pressing in the coming year as it has always been.

Finally, I wish to record how extremely proud I am to be the Patron of the Bromyard HOPE Centre and, in a very small way, to be associated with the truly excellent work that goes on there under Sarah Eardley’s wise and clear leadership.

Until September 30th 2017, Herefordshire Council are running a consultation on the Children’s Centre services offered in Bromyard. The council have got a questionnaire that can be found on their website or picked up from the Hope Centre.  The link is here or you can ask us at the Hope Centre.  For those who may not have access to a computer we are also offering to complete any questionnaires on line for you if you drop off the completed forms to us at reception.

 https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/info/200207/family_support/757/bromyard_childrens_centre_services_consultation

Please see the attached information that may be of help from Sarah Eardley, CEO of the centre  2017 cc service consultation

The council will be visiting the following groups to consult in the area:

Schedule of Local authority consultation meetings:
St Peters School Bromyard on Tuesday 19th September from 8.30am – 9.30am.
Bishops Frome’s community on Bromyard Children Centre Services on Friday 15th September 10am – 11.30am at the village hall
Hope Family Centre – 14th September 10.30am Health clinic and afterwards in Oscar’s café play zone

In August the CEO, Trustees and staff team welcomed the Reverend Lady Lisvane, High Sheriff of Herefordshire and her husband, Robert Lisvane, The Lord Lisvane KCB DL, to the centre.

Following a presentation about the origins and history of the Centre, the management team spoke about their services and provision to the Bromyard community and its members.  Jan Pearce-Higgins, Jeanie Falconer and Sarah Eardley then gave their visitors a tour of all the departments and activities and ended their visit with coffee and cakes at Oscar’s café.

Everyone felt very honoured to receive such a distinguished visitor to the Centre and were delighted with the High Sheriff’s comments after her visit:

“It was a privilege to visit the HOPE Centre recently. I was hugely impressed by the enthusiasm and professionalism of Sarah Eardley, the CEO, and her staff, and by the range of support services which the Centre provides. The theme of my Shrieval Year is tackling loneliness and isolation, and several aspects of the Centre’s work resonate powerfully with this, whether in early years education, developing a sense of self and confidence in the very young, adult learning, or the excellent work of the Contact Centre, which provides a neutral and welcoming space where children can spend time with non-resident family members  — for example following separation or divorce. The HOPE Centre is indeed a beacon of hope for many, and I wish it every success.”

On Friday 4^th August we held our first Bounce and Rhyme session at the library in Bromyard. We were thrilled to see nearly 40 children attend and meet Bookstart Bear (who was really Michaela from the café but don’t tell anyone!). Bounce and Rhyme introduces children to songs and music in a fun way and is led by one of our experienced staff to guide the session.  Children all received a free book and balloon and it was lovely to see so many children and families at the event.

From September these sessions will be running every Friday morning at the Library and we are delighted to be working in partnership with Halo Leisure. We offer families an opportunity to use the Library and join in a sociable and fun group. It’s also a great way of meeting new people if you have just moved to Bromyard and also introduces you to the Hope Centre, located on the Hereford Road, where there is a permanent stay and play zone for children to enjoy every week day. We also have many other groups on at the centre, with ample parking and other great facilities like our Early Years nursery and pre-school. If you would like any further information about us and the groups and activities please ring us on 01885 488495 or email info@hopefamilycentre.org