£1m Tree House opens for families in Bognor

The Tree House offers a wide range of services for all families as well as extra help when it is needed.

Its facilities have been split between two main sites '“ a new building in Laburnum Grove, next to the school, and another in Richmond Avenue.

The centre was declared open by Cllr Pat Arculus, who is in charge of children and young people's services across West Sussex.

She said: "This investment aims to provide a warm and friendly centre where community needs are at the heart of its planning and development.

"We hope the centre will help families access the support all parents need from time to time."

The opening event last Saturday included children's activities such as lucky dip, hook-a-duck, a fancy-dress competition and animal handling.

The centre provides services such as well-being clinic, breastfeeding cafe, childminding support network and free internet cafe.

Soon joining them will be a weekly baby and toddler drop-in, Jobcentre Plus sessions, post-natal and special needs groups.

At Laburnum Grove, there will be a day nursery for between 40 and 50 children aged up to five years. The building is open between 9am and 5pm weekdays. Evening openings will begin next year.

The Richmond Avenue site features a parenting programme, girls' self-esteem sessions and parent drop-in. Its opening hours are 9am to 5pm Mondays to Thursdays and 9am to 4.30pm on Fridays.

Future proposals for 2009 include support and advice about domestic abuse and a group for primary school-age children.

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