The Forest of Dean Children’s Opportunity Centre

A place for all children, growing and learning together

The Forest of Dean Children’s Opportunity Centre is offering support to people housing families from Ukraine.

We would like to welcome any families with children who are in need of Family Support or Early Years
provision from birth – 5yrs. We can provide advice and support with paperwork, communication, signposting to services or any family issues.

If you are housing a family in need from Ukraine, please get in touch with us via Facebook, email manager@childoc.org.uk or phone (01594) 837552.

A word from our Manager in response to the Covid-19 pandemic

As we begin to put the pandemic behind us, I want to reach out to our children, families, staff, trustees, professionals, supporters, volunteers and funders to express a heartfelt thank you to everyone that plays their part in supporting The Forest of Dean Children’s Opportunity Centre .  The Covid-19 virus has bought  unprecedented challenges for everyone, and this is never more evident than for the wonderful children and families that we support.

Like all charities now, the donations that we received from fundraising events have all but dried up. We are concerned about the future and our ability to raise money.  However, we must remain optimistic in our approach to ensure that we can continue to deliver the support services to our children and families with our usual positive approach.

While we are appreciative of the initial support the Government has given to charities at this time, we are aware that this will only be for a limited period. Inevitably, raising the income needed to finance the running of The Opportunity Centre will be hugely challenging in the coming months. Therefore, if you normally support our Christmas grotto, raffle or fundraising evenings, we would be extremely grateful if you would consider donating directly to the centre.

Together, as a community we can continue making a difference to families and children with additional needs in The Forest of Dean.

Thank you.

Sonia Molyneux, Centre Manager & Fundraiser

WELCOME TO THE FOREST OF DEAN CHILDREN’S OPPORTUNITY CENTRE

Created over 30 years ago, the charity has is roots firmly based in supporting families and children with additional needs.  Today the centre is for all children, giving those without additional needs empathy and appreciation for others, regardless of differences.

Here we value each child’s unique qualities.  We provide care, support and facilities which enable all children to grow and learn together at our Childcare Setting , Holiday Playscheme and Stay & Play sessions.   From 3 months to preschool, there is a place for everyone here and we can even help those without transport to access our facilities on our own minibus.

Early intervention is key to helping our children reach their full potential, the outstanding skills of our staff allow us to provide specialist support if and when required.  We have established excellent working relationships with Physiotherapists, Speech & Language Therapists, Paediatricians and Health Visitors and Social Workers in Gloucestershire.

Our help extends to the whole family around the child, through support groups and workshops. It is an informal meeting place for parents and  professionals involved in the care of children, from those at the beginning of a diagnosis to those that have diverse and complex conditions.

Our world is changing for the better, we are breaking down barriers for those with special needs, which is why our centre is for all children, learning and growing together.