HRH Princess Anne opens Quarriers' Family Resource Centre in Ruchazie
4 September 2002
The Princess Royal is set to meet a group of lone dads who've been learning vital parenting skills at a Quarriers Family Resource Centre, when she officially opens the facility today - September 4th, 2002.
Princess Anne will be shown around the facility by Project Manager Mary Glasgow, and Quarriers Chief Executive, Phil Robinson. She will then unveil a plaque to commemorate the occasion and will meet some of the families who have benefited from use of the centre.
Quarriers Family Resource Centre, which recently expanded into £1.2 million purpose-built premises in Avondale Street, was one of the first initiatives to offer support to men in the role of the principal carers. One year on from its launch, the male parenting project is attracting an increasing number of men seeking support, advice and guidance. The centre recently opened a nursery for babies and children aged 0 - 3 years, providing a vital lifeline for many young families.
Phil Robinson, chief executive of Quarriers, which has grown to become the country's third largest care charity, said: "We are honoured to have Her Royal Highness Princess Anne open this facility. Quarriers Family Resource Project is an extremely successful project which has become an integral part of the Ruchazie community. Today's opening gives staff recognition they deserve for their hard work and dedication, and this new, purpose-built facility is one we are proud to show our royal guest."
Quarriers Family Resource Project was set up by a partnership of several agencies in response to concerns about the increasing numbers of children requiring support from the Social Work Department in Greater Easterhouse. It focuses on providing support for very young children and their families, and its running costs are supported by Quarriers, Glasgow City Council, Greater Glasgow Health Board and Children in Need. The project offers a range of services to families including individual support, home visiting, groupwork, family work, financial advice, access to childcare, equipment loan and drop-in facilities.
Mary Glasgow, Quarriers Family Resource Centre project manager, said: "Many local children are brought up by lone parents and there is a huge need for support of this kind. We are helping parents develop parenting skills, greater confidence and a more positive attitude to the care of their children. Our ultimate aim is to reduce the numbers of children having to be accommodated by the Local Authority or requiring formal Child Protection measures.
"We are also involved with a whole range of issues affecting very young children and their families from health to emotional and behavioural difficulties. We hope, in the longer term, to improve the health of children and families and create a family environment that will encourage children to do better at school."
Capital funding for the Quarriers Family Resource Project's new premises has been provided by Quarriers, Glasgow City Council, Greater Easterhouse Social Inclusion Partnership, Scottish Homes, Glasgow Development Agency, The Big Step (formerly Young Care Leavers Social Inclusion Partnership), charitable trusts, and company sponsorship.
END
Notes to Editor:
Quarriers is Scotland's third largest care charity, number SC001960. Established in 1871, it provides a wide range of care services for children, families, young people and adults with a disability from around 70 projects at around 100 sites in west-central, south-west and north-east Scotland.
Due to security measures and a lack of space, journalists and photographers will be unable to attend the event. Photographs are available from freelance photographer Ian Hossack 0141 638 0444, or mobile: 07879 411655
The multi-disciplinary approach of Quarriers Family Resource Centre is innovative because it involves a range of professionals including Quarriers' social care staff, Health Visitors and Education workers, working in partnership within a single project. The philosophy of the project is to work in partnership with parents and other agencies, bringing out the strengths in families and in the local community, and to work in an open and honest way with parents.
Quarriers Family Resource Project accepts referrals from Social Work, GPs, midwives, Health Visitors and, most importantly, by families themselves. The 12 staff are committed to community development and empowerment, and have specialist knowledge about the parenting needs of children, as well as the effects of alcohol and drug misuse on parenting.
This information from Shona O'Donnell of The Business, public relations rsupport to Quarriers. For more information please contact: Tel: 0131 718 6022 Fax: 0131 718 6145 Mobile: 07879 842527
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