Really enjoyed watching this back. It was a great reminder that both recovery and becoming a recovery coach is a process. Taking things one step at a time, being patient with ourselves, and not taking on too much too soon feels really important. @David Collins, @Katie Cole, @Daisy Ashe @Marcus Ward

Was lovely meeting you, hope to see you soon on zoom 😊

The Recovery Capital Bridge ( System to Support) @Marcus Ward @David Collins

Under the Bridge: Child Contact Services in Kent & South-East London@David Collins Child contact centres play an important role in supporting relationships between children and parents when families are going through separation or court proceedings. They provide safe and structured environments where contact can take place, sometimes under supervision, when there are concerns or when arrangements cannot be agreed between parents. During my exploration of the child contact landscape across Kent, I looked at both private professional centres and charity-run contact centres in order to understand the differences in cost, accessibility and support for families. The Price Divide One of the most noticeable differences between services is the cost of accessing them. Professional contact centres can require a referral fee of around £100, with supervised contact sessions costing up to £75 -£120 for both parents. For families required to attend regularly, these costs can quickly accumulate. In comparison, charity-run contact centres, such as those linked with community organisations, often offer supported contact sessions ranging from £0 to £40. In some cases, these services are subsidised or operate on a sliding scale depending on income. This creates a noticeable financial divide between services and the families who are able to access them. Accessibility and Service Models Both models appear to offer different strengths. Charity-based services often provide a more community-focused approach and may be more accessible financially. They may also draw on volunteers and staff with lived experience of supporting families. Professional or private centres, on the other hand, tend to provide more formal supervision and structured documentation. This can be important in situations where courts require clear records or professional reports. However, charity services often have limited capacity and waiting lists, which can make it difficult for families to access them when contact needs to begin quickly.

Loving being part of this space! Lots to learn and think about. Maybe one day I’ll step out on my own, but for now I’m just soaking it all up.😊