St. Vincent’s Family Project
Albie Stadmiller, 1993 graduate of Asbury Theological Seminary with a Masters of Arts in World Missions and Evangelism, is working in the United Kingdom as the director of St. Vincent’s Family Project which works to provide a space to bring and enhance families together. St Vincent’s Family Project (SVFP) is a Christian organization and a registered charity. The Project has been supporting young families in Westminster since 1996 and continues to enjoy a reputation for providing
exciting programs for parents and children alike. It is based in the Methodist Central Hall, Westminster.
Family Space provides support for the whole family. It’s a place where families come together to find fun and friendship and experience genuine community. It provides a full program of activities for families, including:
A Drop in Centre with activities for children and parents/caregivers including alternative therapies – reflexology, massage, aromatherapy – Group and 1 to 1 support opportunities, and access to visiting professionals (Child Psychologist, Speech and Language Therapist, Social Worker).
Crèche facilities where parents can leave children (up to 5 years old) in a safe environment while they attend development courses or support groups or just enjoy some ‘space’. Children meet others their own age and learn to make new friends as well as enjoying a range of creative activities in the care of qualified and experienced staff. Staff can also offer guidance on child development and behavior management.
A range of Development courses enable parents to develop their skills and enhance their own experience of family. Programs include a range of Parenting courses and a Healthy Living course. They emphasize the sharing of experiences and mutual support, in a gentle and affirming environment.
Safe Space is a child contact service accredited by N.A.C.C.C., The National Association of Child Contact Centers. It offers a safe, friendly, and neutral place where children separated from one or both parents can spend time with them. We can arrange supported or supervised contact or ‘handovers’, and aim to create a warm and sociable atmosphere where parents and children can relax and enjoy themselves.
What happens at Safe Space?
It is very much up to you what you want to do. Our center has a number of rooms with a variety of games, toys, and books for all ages for you to enjoy. You can also bring along some favorite toys of your own.
Drinks and refreshments are provided but you may wish to bring your own. A small kitchenette with a microwave oven is available for you to use. Don’t forget to bring along essential items you might need.
Supported or Supervised?
Child contact can be either supported or supervised and it is very much dependent on your needs and circumstances. We discuss this at the referral stage.
In supported contact we provide the space and equipment to make meaningful contact possible. We will leave you to enjoy the contact unless you need some support. Trained staff and volunteers will be around to help you, answer questions, or discuss issues in an impartial way. Other families will be using the center at the same time as you. You may want to keep to yourselves or take the opportunity to make new friends. The choice is yours.
Supervised contact is arranged on an individual family basis and sessions will be facilitated by a qualified supervisor who may be asked to provide written reports.
For more information-check out this website: http://www.svfp.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=featured&Itemid=13
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