Better Place in Sale

StefanBradley

BETTER Place Australia launched its new children’s contact service (CCS) for families living in Sale and Gippsland last month.

The Sale centre, which opened on January 9, is its second children’s contactcentre, in addition to wider family services offeredinGippsland throughthe Traralgon Family Relationship Centre.

Thecentre, co-located at the Sale Neighbourhood House, expands on CCS services currently being delivered by Better Place Australia at the Narre Warren location,and complements existingservicesoffered in Morwell and Bairnsdale.

Funded by the federal AttorneyGeneral’sdepartment, theCCS supports children to maintain their relationship with their parents and family members in asafe, supportive and child-focused environment.

Sale Children’s Contact Service Manager, Helen Skinner, saidthe centre had spent the past month setting up and publicisingthe service.

“We’ve had anumberofpeople contact us and anumberoffamilies are already engaging with the service,” she said.

“Better Place Australia is really excited to have opened thiscentre in Sale. We think it’s going to be a valuableservicetofamiliesinthe area.”

Ms Skinner said that it was critical for familiesinregional areas to be able to access family services that are local and affordable.

“Separation and relationship breakdown can be astressfulexperience, and for familiesfacing complex parenting arrangements,thereare greater challenges,” she said.

“Thechildren’scontact service supports children to have supervised visitsand facilitated changeovers withparents and family members following separation.

“For children, adjustment can be especially difficult,and the service can really help. We provide asafe, fun and neutral environment where children can spend timewith the parent they no longer live with. We don’t take sides.”

Drawing from more than 35 years of experience providing family meditation and counselling services at Better Place Australia, families will also be able to access avariety of wraparound servicesthat include mental health support andparenting programs.

Better Place Australia chief executive, SergeSardo, said strongand healthy relationships play avital role in building the ongoing health and wellbeingofindividuals, families, and the broader local community.

“The ability to access services that remain close to where they live and work cannot be understated,” he said.

“Currently, manyfamilies do not have access to achild contact centre in their area, and wait times in others further afield sees them waiting long periods to see their children.

“This vital service for families living in the Sale and Gippsland area will enable families and caregivers to connect with their children safely, securely and locally.”

Families wanting to use the service can phone Better Place Australia on 1800 639 523 or visit betterplaceaustralia.com.au