New River Green Children's Centre, Islington, London
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
What does it offer? Following an extensive refurbishment, the centre is now offering a host of new services and facilities for local families.
What did the refurbishment involve? The centre now includes medical consulting rooms, a sensory room for children with special needs, training rooms, a new reception area and a new staff room. A lift has also been installed to provide easier access to the first floor.
How will families benefit from the refurbished centre? Services include a toy library, training opportunities for parents, postnatal support, visits from a speech and language therapist, advice sessions, baby clinics and support groups for young parents. Health professionals, outreach teams and social workers also make regular visits and offer families information and support in private consulting rooms. The centre also has a fully landscaped outdoor area with play equipment and a green space, which will be open to local families, many of whom do not have access to a garden.
How was the refurbishment funded? The approximate £900,000 cost was met mainly by the Department for Children, Schools and Families, which put up £700,000, and Islington Council. Solar panels were paid for with £18,000 from the council's Climate Change Fund.
