LOCAL MP Edward Timpson welcomed a new NSPCC centre in Crewe that will help vulnerable families and children access professional care.

The Children’s Minister cut the ribbon on the Rainbow Centre in Oak Road on Tuesday, July 1.

He said: “I have supported the work the NSPCC does for many years and it’s great to see the charity investing and expanding in our local community with supportive services.

The new centre has 12 staff and offers cutting edge services for vulnerable children and families, including services for children suffering neglect, and children in families where drug and alcohol problems exist.

Services include SafeCare- where NSPCC staff visit homes referred to them due to neglect, showing parents how to play with their children, keep them healthy and handle difficult behaviour.

Elsewhere, the NSPCC’s Graded Care Profile will let staff identify when a child is at risk of neglect by looking at four key areas of physical wellbeing, safety, love and esteem.

Meanwhile, a special group work programme will be provided for children aged 5-12 years, whose parents misuse substances. Practitioners lead groups of up to five children over 10 weekly sessions while parents receive support on an individual basis.

Alex Modder, service centre manager for the NSPCC in Crewe added: “We are delighted with the new Rainbow Centre, which is a bright, colourful welcoming place for children, families and other professionals to visit.

“The services we offer here are aimed at helping children and parents to feel supported to overcome family difficulties, strengthen family relationships and ensure that children are kept safe.”

To find out more about the services on offer at the Crewe Service Centre, contact the team on 0207 650 3330 or email: crewe.service.centre@nspcc.org.uk