IT is a sign of our times that families are often ripped apart at the seams.

But a new supervised contact centre in Swindon, which opened yesterday, will help families stay in touch.

The In-Sight supervised contact centre in Milton Road provides a place where children can go to meet a parent when a court has ordered supervised contact.

It is part of the North Wiltshire Family Mediation Service, a registered charity.

The centre offers an impartial supported and safe environment for children from separated families to meet their parents.

It was opened yesterday by Judge Byron Carron.

The service was paid for by a Government grant.

Julia Waygood, of In Sight, said: "Safety of all parties is paramount. The parents do not need to meet at all and we have separate entrances and rooms and can work with both parents separately."

During any meeting set up at the centre, the contact supervisor stays in sight and sound of the child at all times, and will make notes of what happens. First of all, the centre will only be taking referrals from the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service.

"We are happy to take enquiries from solicitors and others. But the case must be in court and with a CAFCASS officer appointed before we can start seeing the family."