Walcot Family Centre is just one of the many charities and organisations set to benefit from this year's Evening Advertiser Christmas Appeal. ALEX EMERY reports.

CHILDREN at Walcot Family Centre have great fun learning new skills. The emphasis is on play and social interaction.

And while the children enjoy themselves, their parents have the chance to meet others and share problems and experiences.

The charity, in the grounds of Mountford Manor School in Bothwell Road, has been in operation since 1979 and has provided help and support for countless families.

Tiggers at Play is one of the many support groups available.

Helen Howe, 43, project support worker, explained the group's appeal and popularity.

She said: "The family centre as a whole aims to benefit anyone who needs help.

"This session of Tiggers at Play gives parents a chance to come along with their children and learn the importance of play and social interaction. They meet other parents in the same situation.

"On an estate like this some people might feel isolated but we offer somewhere to get support. All our groups are well attended. The after-school club is very popular. We have a waiting list of 68 but run six-week blocks, which gives everyone a chance.

"The Christmas Appeal has been wonderful over the years. The team of staff go through all the gifts and then we dress as Santa and deliver them around the estate.

"One year we received three lovely bikes. There are all sorts of things. The teenagers appreciate bits of make-up too."

Sally Carr, 24, is a National Lottery funded family and childcare worker and has been at the centre since August.

She said: "I get lots of job satisfaction. I used to work in a private nursery but I find I get much more input into what happens here. As the children get to know me they are quite excited about seeing me, which is lovely.

"The after-school club is lacking in games and constructive toys. The children would love things such as dressing up clothes, board games or Lego.

"For the parents it's great too because they get a chance to relax even though they are still in charge of their children. Just knowing there are people on hand to help makes it easier for them."

One parent who frequents the centre is 30-year-old Michael Wolfe. He is a single father of sons, Lloyd, three and Jordan, one.

He said: "We have been coming here since the boys were born. It's right on my doorstep, which is ideal.

"Because the centre feeds into the local school it means the children are better prepared for school life. It makes the transition easier.

"I appreciate the support I get from the other parents and the employees here. When you don't have a partner to share the load with it can get difficult.

"The boys are too young for me to go out to work so I'm on benefits and have to scrape by every week. The priority is obviously essential things so Christmas can be too expensive. The toys the centre receives helps take the strain off."

The centre is run by a local management committee and receives £45,000 a year from the Social Services. This sum has to pay for the staff wages, bills and overheads before staff can even think about buying toys and activity equipment.

The Evening Advertiser appeal with the Swindon Rotary Club has ensured users of the Walcot Family Centre have had a happy Christmas for a number of years.

Let's do the same this year.

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