We the undersigned petition Thurrock Council to amend the proposed changes to Children’s Public Health Services and Children’s Centres to no longer include the closure of Stanford-Le-Hope Children’s Centre.

While we accept Thurrock Council’s desire to integrate and strengthen services for children and young people aged 0-19 and families in need of additional help, we ask that Stanford-le-Hope Children’s Centre remains open and does not become an outreach service.

Stanford-le-Hope Children’s Centre is a crucial part of the community and we think it is important for families in Stanford-Le-Hope, Corringham, Fobbing, Horndon-on-the-Hill and Orsett to have access to a local dedicated facility that is open 5 days a week, with trained staff members on hand to offer support and advice.

The flexible drop-in sessions and facilities, including a range of educational and age appropriate toys and access to a garden area, that would be lost if the Children’s Centre were to close, are vital for parents in need of extra support and for those who don’t have access to such facilities elsewhere.