Stanwell Family Centre were delighted to welcome the High Sheriff, Dr Llewelyn for a packed programme, starting with a tour of the building where health visitors and community nursery nurses were meeting parents and children aged 27-months for their development checks.
The Family Centre’s manager, Janette Breese, guided the High Sheriff at the start of her visit, explaining that Surrey Care Trust runs the centre in partnership with Surrey County Council.
Dr Llewelyn said: “There is an excellent range of statutory services and those provided by the charitable sector all operating side-by-side, which is beneficial for the local community.
“Families can benefit from how the partners all work together through all sorts of activities, such as a social club for 5-12 year-olds with autism, counselling services, a sensory room, free legal advice clinics, speech and language therapy. There is also an outreach team currently supporting 20 families with complex needs.”
Dr Llewelyn presented well-earned certificates to parents who had completed adult learning courses.
In addition, Dr Llewelyn toured the community allotment run by the Stanwell Local Conversation project. The centre works closely with the initiative, which Monica Runke manages, and the Trust oversees.
Monica showed the High Sheriff where they grow produce and a section dedicated to families to relax after working in the allotment and watch the children in a safe play area. On the day of her visit, there was a lot of joyful muddy play, supervised by parents and carers enjoying a cup of tea.
Dr Llewelyn gave a High Sheriff award to the project for its outstanding contribution to the local community. The volunteers also gave her lovely fresh produce, including eggs from their hens, and a hand-painted stone saying, ‘Bee happy’.
Dr Llewelyn said: “it was a hugely enjoyable day and a great privilege to spend the morning with such inspirational people doing so much for their communities.”
The High Sheriff presenting a certificate to a parent who has recently completed an adult learning course at the Centre.
The High Sheriff with John Downing CEO of Surrey Care Trust and two parents who have recently completed an adult learning course at Stanwell Family Centre.