I am deeply saddened to hear that Highfield Children's Centre in Ipswich is facing closure. As a parent who has relied on the centre's invaluable services, I cannot stress enough how it has been a lifeline for me and many other families in our community.

Highfield Children's Centre Outreach where you can access advice and support on a wide range of services. We provide outreach services to support families in the local community.

 

Services include:

Stay & Play groups for families to attend

Infant Feeding Support

Financial/Benefit Support

Infant Massage

Housing Support

Behaviour Support                 

Child Development Support

Sleep Routines Support

Toilet Training Support

Additional Needs Support

Self-Weigh Opportunities

Breast Pump Loan

Referral support to other services

And much more…

 We aim to ensure that all families have access to high-quality services and supportive relationships within their local area. Please contact the centres on 01473 742534 Ext 2 / 01473 263360 or email us at highfield.cc@suffolk.gov.uk for more information.

The threat of closure is not just a personal loss but a potential devastation to the entire Ipswich community. Highfield is not merely a building – it is a critical hub for families, providing support at every turn. Over the years, this centre has helped countless parents and children at the most vulnerable points in their lives. According to studies, early childhood services contribute significantly to the development of children and can positively impact their future educational and social outcomes.

We cannot afford to lose such an important resource. The closure of Highfield would mean a loss of access to crucial services like child health and family outreach programmes, which play a vital role in preventing childhood poverty and promoting family stability. The consultation period is our chance to make our voices heard and show how much this centre means to us.

Let us come together to urge the local authorities and councillors to reconsider this decision and explore alternative solutions that do not strip families of this indispensable support. Enhanced government funding or partnerships with local businesses and charitable organizations could secure the necessary resources to keep the centre running.

We ask the decision-makers to evaluate the long-term benefits of keeping Highfield open against the immediate cost-savings of closure. Investing in our children and their futures should be a priority for our community.

Please sign this petition to demonstrate the widespread support for maintaining Highfield Children's Centre as a vital service for Ipswich families. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that Highfield continues to support present and future generations.

What would proposed closure of Suffolk children's centres mean? - BBC News https://share.google/IHHfWdkdTFWn9pKC6