THURROCK’S growing network of Children’s Centres is having a positive impact on the borough’s families.

The first Children’s Centre Conference, at the Culver Centre, South Ockendon, was held on Wednesday.

It opened with a keynote speech by Adrienne Burgess, research manager for the Fatherhood Institute, entitled Every Dad Matters and also included the first showing of a promotional DVD on Thurrock’s centres.

There were also workshops on various aspects of the centres’ work.

The council’s Cabinet member for Children’s Services, Councillor Sue MacPherson, also spoke to delegates.

She said: "The aim of this conference is to promote the work of the centres, to market the marvellous work they do.

"Every time I visit a centre or speak with staff I am overwhelmed by the passion and enthusiasm they show.

"Children’s Centres are a real partnership, providing a wide range of services for children from birth to five and for their families, from education to baby massage, health to family support and seeking work to toy libraries.

"This is the message we have to get across. These centres are designed to be local and to provide for the needs of local people and that was really highlighted in the film.

"The family involved were facing a crisis.

"The mother-to-be’s partner was off to Afghanistan and she could not drive. Yet a short walk away was her local Children’s Centre, Discovery, in Aveley.

"Kelly’s tale of how the centre provided a focus for her, activities, even new friendships was touching, and Glen speaking of how Kelly’s letters explained how her life with baby Danny was blooming was even more moving.

"If our Children’s Centres can do this for one family, just think how big an impact they are having boroughwide and how that impact will grow as more new centres open in the coming months."