New home for South Ruislip Children's Centre

The centre was officially opened on Friday 24 January and guests included Cllr Susan O'Brien, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, local parents, children, community partners and council officers.   

The Wren centre, situated on Queens Walk, has been upgraded to include new dedicated counselling and health suites, as well as the large main space for stay and play sessions, baby groups, antenatal classes and programmes like GRoW which provides employment support for women to help build their self-confidence.   

The garden has also had a makeover and been landscaped to a more child friendly outdoor space, with toys and games added to create a large inviting space for children, young people and families to enjoy.  

Parenting support and one-to-one services, including midwifery, health visitor clinics and Children's integrated therapy sessions will be available at the centre, as well as information to help families who are getting ready for nursery, coping with fussy eating and keeping children's teeth healthy. There will also be support for parents and carers who have children with special educational needs and disabilities.  

There are also activities and sessions at the centre aimed at older children and young people that include a weekly group for young carers and another for young people who identify as LGBTQ+.  

The building will continue to be used by MENCAP to provide activities and support for people with learning disabilities.  

Jasmine Bosze visited the centre with her three-year-old son Jacob and said: "I think it's fantastic - it's a great space for children and for them to socialise with others as well. For me, it's getting to know other mums in the area and understanding what's available because I think that's really important."  

Cllr O'Brien said: "Our children's centres, based in the heart of our communities, give families access to a range of early learning and development services to help their children thrive and live active and independent lives.  

"This centre is a multi-purpose space with a range of services co-located in one place. This makes it easier for our residents to access support, allows us to work more closely with our partners to support children in a caring and nurturing environment, and maximises the use of this building throughout the day."  

South Ruislip Children's Centre was previously co-located with South Ruislip Early Years Centre. Following the council's decision for its early years centres to be managed by an alternative provider, who will now use the whole of the centre, the children's centre has been relocated into The Wren.