Do people know about you?

RNI has built up a comprehensive knowledge of the rural community in Kennet.
We can therefore act as a bridge between families, and the various agencies they’d like to know more about, or who could help them.

As a known, trusted source of help and advice, we can signpost parents and carers to other agencies offering support.
   •   Use us to reach people you otherwise wouldn’t meet,
       or would find hard to reach.
   •   Use our projects and areas of work to
           ▪   extend your network
           ▪   extend the network of other agencies you could work with.

“RNI can reach those most disadvantaged, works in partnership, is interactive and can offer practical help.”
Local Health Visitor

“Lots of small positive interventions that all add up to something substantial.”
Local Health Visitor

Safety Equipment Scheme

  •   open to families where
               •   children could be at risk through inadequate safety measures
               •   low income prevents purchase of the necessary equipment

  •   scheme is available through referrals from agencies;
               •   primary health visitors, social services,
                   Community Learning Disability nurses

  •   covers the Kennet District Area

  •   equipment ranges from safety gates and fireguards to fridge locks.

“We are very grateful. So many people said they could help
but you are the only people who have helped.”
Safety Equipment user

Playpacks

To take home and share with the child.

   •   available through local Toddler groups,
       nursery nurses and community nurses
   •   provide shared play and learning opportunities
       for parent/carer and child
   •   contain items such as books, games, activities, puzzles and soft toys,
       plus an information folder
   •   can be borrowed for a small charge

“I get my husband to use it to play with our child – it’s complete,
 not to messy and self explanatory.”
Wife of a playpack user

“You can feel overwhelmed about doing things at home
with your child..this gives you the confidence to try things out.”
Playpack user

Case studies

• Real Nappy Campaign
• Credit Union
• Library

Children’s Centres in Marlborough and Tidworth

What is a Children’s Centre?

- A family support and parental outreach service
- Provides access to child and family health services
- Promotes parental involvement
- Provides ‘drop-ins’ such as Stay and Play
- Links to other services provided in the area
- Links people with job opportunities and training

The Vision

A Children’s Centre will play a central role in improving outcomes for all young children from birth to five. It will do this by helping to ensure that services are available to all children, but especially to those who need the most support.

Each centre will reflect the needs of its local community and aim to provide appropriate services.

CHILDREN’S CENTRES are at the heart of the Government’s
EVERY CHILD MATTERS: Change for Children Programme.

Be healthy
Stay safe
Positive contribution
Enjoy and achieve
Achieve economic well-being

By 2010 there will be 3,500 Children’s Centres - one for every community.

The Government has recognised that children’s centres in rural areas will need to work in a flexible way to meet the needs of the community area. Outreach for families will be part of the provision.

Locations

Marlborough;
The Corner House Children’s Centre, George Lane Car Park. Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 4BY
 We are now in the Centre and can provide information and signposting services
For more information contact Rural Needs Initiative on 01672 513010 or email us

Tidworth;
Windmill Hill Children’s Centre, Tidworth Community Centre. Wyle Road, Tidworth, SP9 7QQ
We are now in the Centre and can provide information and signposting services.
You can contact us on 01980 843010 or email us

Pewsey and Devizes
Pewsey; Voluntary Action Kennet, River St, Pewsey.
Services will be based at the Children’s Hub. For more information, contact 01672 564140

Devizes; Southbroom Infant School.
The Children’s Centre is being developed on the school site; for more information,
contact 01380 723184.

All Centres will be developing outreach services into the rural communities.