A Safe Space for Children and Families

Providing a welcoming environment for quality family time and connections.

A welcoming place

A registered charity (NI102727), we provide a safe, warm, welcoming, neutral place for children from birth to 16 years to enjoy quality time with parents, siblings or other significant people with whom they no longer reside.

An accredited member of the National Association of Child Contact Centres, you can be assured of the very best standards.

All of our staff and volunteers are qualified to the highest standards in a wide range of subjects related to children, families and separation.

Additionally, we have direct experience of neurodiverse and anxious children, and have a professionally designed and installed sensory space from Learning Space NI.

Quality Family Time

Providing a safe, warm, and welcoming space for children to connect with loved ones.

A young child is standing inside a play area with colorful gym equipment and toys scattered on the floor. An adult is crouching nearby, observing or interacting with the child. The surroundings are brightly colored with various play and exercise items.
A young child is standing inside a play area with colorful gym equipment and toys scattered on the floor. An adult is crouching nearby, observing or interacting with the child. The surroundings are brightly colored with various play and exercise items.

We create a neutral and inviting atmosphere for children to interact with parents, siblings, or other significant family members with whom they no longer reside.

Family Reviews

Hear from families about their experiences at our child contact centre.

★★★★★
A young child wearing a bright yellow sweater is seated in a colorful indoor play area. The child appears to be sitting on a toy vehicle with a steering wheel, surrounded by pastel-colored walls and safety netting.
A young child wearing a bright yellow sweater is seated in a colorful indoor play area. The child appears to be sitting on a toy vehicle with a steering wheel, surrounded by pastel-colored walls and safety netting.
Sarah

Carrickfergus

We felt at ease knowing our children were in a secure and friendly space during visits.

The children looked forward to their time in the centre, and to developing a strong relationship with their dad. The staff were very welcoming and helpful. I was very impressed by the facilities available for different ages.

In a sunny outdoor setting, a seated person wearing a red hoodie and jeans is holding a small child in their lap. The child appears to be listening intently. Two other children, one with short hair in an orange striped shirt and the other with longer hair wearing a yellow shirt, are engaging nearby with playful expressions. The ground is sandy and several white plastic chairs are visible in the background, alongside a tent-like structure.
In a sunny outdoor setting, a seated person wearing a red hoodie and jeans is holding a small child in their lap. The child appears to be listening intently. Two other children, one with short hair in an orange striped shirt and the other with longer hair wearing a yellow shirt, are engaging nearby with playful expressions. The ground is sandy and several white plastic chairs are visible in the background, alongside a tent-like structure.
★★★★★

The atmosphere at the centre was bustling yet warm, filled with the laughter of children. There was a palpable sense of support and understanding among everyone present, which made it easy to strike up conversations.

As I left, I couldn't help but feel uplifted and inspired, realizing that being part of this allowed me to contribute to a positive environment for our children to thrive.

Mark

Larne

View of Shelly House, Carrickfergus
View of Shelly House, Carrickfergus

Our Carrickfergus centre (and offices) can be found at

Shelly House, 13 West Street, Carrickfergus BT38 7AR.

Click the map for directions.

Office hours:

Tuesday 9.30am to 12.30pm,

Wednesday 9.30am to 5pm,

Thursday 9.30am to 6.30pm,

Friday 9.30am to 1.30pm

Saturday 9.30am to 3.30pm

Our location

We can be found at:

Shelly House, 13 West Street, Carrickfergus BT38 7AR.

Nearest car parking: Castle car park (free)

Connect with us

email: contact@carrickccc.co.uk

© 2025. All rights reserved.

Call: 07853 938881

Office hours:

Tuesday 9.30am to 12.30pm,

Wednesday 9.30am to 5pm,

Thursday 9.30am to 6.30pm,

Friday 9.30am to 1.30pm

Saturday 9.30am to 3.30pm


Registered charity number 102727 with the Charity Commission NI