Frequently asked questions

What is a contact centre?

A child contact centre is a safe, neutral place where children who no longer live with a parent, sibling, relative or other significant person in their life can enjoy time together. Our centre, designed specifically for the purpose, welcomes children between the ages of birth and sixteen years. We have spaces for families to enjoy quality time, with age appropriate facilities to share.

How does your service work?

Access to our facilities is STRICTLY by referral via social services, solicitors, or courts. This is in order to safeguard the children in our centre. Once a referral form is submitted, our staff carefully assess the application, and arrange a pre-assessment visit with the parties seeking use of our facilities. Recognising the complexity of referrals to us, these meetings are held separately to avoid conflict. Once completed, a start date is agreed with all parties. Use of a child contact centre is a short term measure, intended to help all parties develop and progress to community contact and positive futures.

How much does it cost?

Referral to and use of our facility is entirely free to all families accepted. We are partly funded by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust. In order to fully fund our service, it is necessary for us to fundraise by various means including grant funding, donations and community funding. We welcome public support via the link at the bottom of this page - every penny raised goes directly to providing a truly local service for local families.

Do you offer direct access to services?

Unfortunately, we don't currently offer direct access to our services, or self referrals.

How can I contact you?

Our qualified, experienced staff are on hand to respond to any query you may have. Our office hours are:

Tuesday 9.30am to 12.30pm,Wednesday 9.30am to 5pm, Thursday 9.30am to 6.30pm, Friday 9.30am to 1.30pm and Saturday 9.30am to 3.30pm

Our email is: contact@carrickccc.co.uk

Our phone number is 07853938881