'Sheerness will be damaged' says Seashells children's centre who face closure
They are currently in a period of consolation
Last updated 6th Sep 2024
Seashells Children's centre say Sheerness will be left damaged if they are closed.
They are currently under a period of consultation - along with Milmeads in Maragte - as Kent County Council looks to close both family hubs.
It happened last month, with the consultation closing on the 22nd of September.
The announcement was met with anger from the public, politicians and celebrities, who are all campaigning for the two centres to remain open.
This will continue on Saturday, where a protest walk has been organised by Seashells and parents to raise awareness of the situation
Ian and Kate Townsend Blazier both work at Seashells and they believe poverty and ant-social behaviour will increase if their doors were to close.
They said: "There's something for someone all the times, it reduces isolation, anti social behaviour, it empowers people to change their own lives through the support we provide them.
"Many families that we spoke to through this consolation highlighted to us that they probably wouldn't have their children
"A lot of our parents and carers may go onto volunteering, improving themselves and without this service it will be a huge impact on health, economic and social outcomes, it will be a huge dent on this community.
"We are worried for them, for the children and their families. It's a sense of loss for such an incredible place and it's so sad that kids in the future won't have this opportunity or experience because Kent County Council want to save some money."
The reason for the possible closure is that Kent County Council need to save over £100 million over the next two years.
In response, Sue Chandler, cabinet member for integrated children’s services said: “Following the introduction of our new Family Hub model across Kent last year.
"The management cost for these two commissioned services creates a duplication as KCC is also paying for the management of the in-house services on offer at KCC Family Hubs across the districts of Swale and Thanet.
“By not renewing these contracts when they naturally come to an end in March 2025, we can make a much-needed efficiency saving whilst continuing to provide essential services for families and young people in these areas.”