Families with children under the age of 5 can come along to free fun events, and support and training sessions, at Uxbridge College Children's Centre.
The centre at Uxbridge College's Hayes Community Campus has already started running events including Stay & Play sessions, Tumble Tots activity days and visits from organisations including the Fire Brigade.
Hayes Fire Service visited the Hayes campus on 4 June, when children and their parents had a chance to explore a fire engine, and meet firefighters and Children's Centre staff.
Children's Centre Manager Rose Alphonse is asking families what kind of support and training they would like from it. In an interview with Rose we find out more.….
What is Uxbridge College Sure Start Children's Centre?
"The best way to describe it is probably as a free one-stop shop for advice, training and support for families with children age under five years old from the Hayes area."
What kind of help and support will the Children's Centre provide?
"Just about anything young families might need to know about, including help on health, child behaviour, Tax Credits and other benefits, going back to work, vocational training, debt and housing."
When is it open?
"So far the centre has been running regular Stay & Play activities and other events every couple of weeks. From next year when the new building is finished, it is due to be open and staffed full-time with services including a crèche."
Tell us a bit about yourself:
"I am a qualified nursery nurse and have worked in childcare for 20-odd years including running a nursery for the BBC and an NHS Children's Centre. As a single parent with two children age 19 and 13 years I have my own experiences as a parent which help me empathise with mums, dads and children. I am really excited about being involved in this project - especially setting it up from scratch and finding out what parents want."
* Have you got any ideas or requests for what you want from Uxbridge College Children's Centre, or want to find out more? Call 01895 853745.
* Forthcoming events include Stay & Play sessions from 1.30 - 3.00pm on 15 and 29 July - just turn up and come to main reception Hayes Community Campus, off Coldharbour Lane, Hayes.