New Children’s Centre at
Oasis Children's Centre in Enfield opened its doors to the public on Tuesday 4 November with a day of showcasing the many services that will be available to local families and their young children.
The centre has lots of facilities for parents and under fives including a brand new play room and a room offering services to parents, including parenting courses, baby clinics, fathers groups, ESOL [English for Speakers of Other Languages] classes and job advice.
The service by Oasis Community Health will deliver services in partnership with Enfield Local Authority, Enfield Homestart, Enfield Library Outreach and Enfield Primary Care Trust. It will be housed within Oasis Academy Enfield until the Oasis Community Health Centre is built on grounds next door.
Quotes
Jackie Hood, a mother from Enfield Lock with her young daughter:
'The centre offers brand new facilities, all within walking distance of where I live. When my daughter walked into the new play room her eyes lit up and she just said "Wow" at the space and all the new things she can play with.'
Roulla Xyrizos, children's centre coordinator, Oasis Community Health:
'We will run a whole range of services for local parents and their young children: stay and play, homestart, counselling, parenting classes, a father's group. We will also respond to this community's specific needs by providing language skills, midwifery and help finding work. We want our provision to be holistic and fully inclusive.'
Jeanne Cantorna, child care partnership manager, Enfield Borough Council:
'The centre allows us to bring our business to the community rather than individuals having to come to us. We're just responding to what parents have asked for.'
John Walton, principal of Oasis Academy Enfield:
'I've welcomed plenty of teenagers here over the last few years but I never expected to be welcoming a load of one-year olds - it's an absolute joy to be welcoming them into the school. Oasis Academy Enfield isn't just about the academy, it's about the whole community and in the future we hope to open facilities for many other groups.'
Gill Antoniou, scheme manager, Homestart:
'There hasn't been a facility here before now so the centre allows us to extend Homestart's services in the area. This brand new facility with its fresh resources will make children and families feel valued.'
Dr Sharon Prentis, director of health community projects, Oasis Community Health:
'Every single child is special and we need to tell them that everyday. At the newly opened Oasis Children's Centre we want to serve our local community by helping realise the potential in all the children we meet.'
Steve Chalke, founder of Oasis Community Health:
'We all dream of escape but the joy of life is making your community special. At Oasis we want every family to flourish not just survive. The children's centre is just another part of the provision by Oasis to the local community.'
Oasis Children's Centre is located in Oasis Academy Enfield, Kinetic Crescent, Innova Park, Mollison Avenue, Enfield, EN3 7XH.
For further information contact: Roulla Xyrizos on 01992 655 400.