KIT began in Brecon when Brecon Children’s Contact Centre opened in October 2007. It is open monthly on a Saturday morning from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and provides a valuable service to disadvantaged children and their families in Powys and the surrounding areas. Abergavenny centre followed in October 2011 opening on a monthly basis but its centre will be opening fortnightly on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month as from October 2012. The centre is based in St Michael’s Centre, 10 A Pen Y Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD. KIT is a registered charity (Charity no: 1118461) which has sister centres in Pontllanfraith, Merthyr, Swansea, Aberdare, Ebbw Vale and Pontypridd.
KIT is a non-profit making organisation and is a member of the National Association of Child Contact Centres (NACCC). NACCC are the governing body for the centre. The centre works in partnership with NACCC and other agencies to provide a neutral meeting place where children from separated families can enjoy the love and companionship of their non-resident family member where there is no viable alternative.
The welfare of the children is paramount and parents using the centres must consider the best interests of the children at all times. We aim to alleviate some of the hardship and distress these children can feel when there is a family break-up.
Research shows that children’s emotional health and behaviour is improved by regular contact with both parents and without the facilities that are offered by KIT, many children and parents may lose their bond and relationship. A contact centre is a neutral meeting place where children from separated families may enjoy contact with one or both parents and sometimes other family members in a comfortable environment where there is no viable alternative. The centre aims to encourage the child and visiting adult to spend quality time together and build positive relationships in a neutral, safe and comfortable environment.
Information regarding contact or volunteering at the centre can be obtained from Allan Thomas on 01685 884001.
