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Wythenshawe Child Contact Centre

‘Putting children’s needs first’ 

Wythenshawe Child Contact Centre is one of several providers of PIP in Manchester.

PIP stands for Parenting Information Programme and is a short course aimed at

providing advice and support around the challenges of parenting after a separation.

 It can also help you understand the effects of separation on children and show you how you

can best help them to deal with the change .

Who needs PIP?
A PIP is useful if:

*        You may have difficulty focusing on your children’s  needs due to ongoing conflict; and/or,

*        You find that your feelings and reactions to the separation are affecting your ability to communicate about your children; and/or,

*        You are preparing for mediation and,

*        There are no safeguarding concerns about children or parents

What does it involve?

On the course we will look at:

*        The divorce and separation process - this is where we encourage you to think about finding solutions to your situation.

*        What children need - you will watch a powerful DVD made by young people that follows a family over a six month period, as the parents separate.

*        Parent communication - we will ask you to discuss a prepared scenario and to look at it from the viewpoint of the mother, father and children.

*        Emotions - finally you will look at the emotional effect divorce and separation can have and the options for moving forward.

 How long does it last?

The course lasts for four hours in total and is usually delivered in two hour slots over two weeks. Both separated partners should go on the course but you will not have to attend the same one.

Why should I attend?

Most parents who have attend a PIP have given extremely positive feedback and say it has helped them manage the impact of separation for their child a lot better. If you don’t attend when the court has ordered you to we have to report this back to the court

Who will deliver the PIP?
PIP is delivered by the staff from Wythenshawe Child Contact Centre. They are very experienced in working with a wide range of families and working on Contact has given them a good understanding of the issues and problems faced when relationships break up,

When does PIP take place?
We currently run two courses a month which take place on:

Mondays 10.00am -12.30pm

Tuesdays 6.30pm – 9.00pm

Where does PIP take place?
PIP takes place at Woodhouse Park Family Centre in South Manchester. This is a welcoming, friendly, community building that is home to several services for children and families, including the Supported Contact Centre. Directions to the Centre are attached.

What if I have any questions?
You are welcome to contact the staff at any time before you start your course. Pauline Jones and Damion French will be running the courses and are available on Tuesday and Friday afternoons (also Monday mornings when PIP is not running). They can be contacted on the details below. For any general enquiries about the Centre you can contact the office staff during usual working hours (Mon-Fri 9am – 4.30pm) on 0161 498 0292