Source: North Tyneside Council
http://www.northtyneside.gov.uk/news/newsinfoitem.shtml?p_ID=26505Family help is just a phonecall away<<
9-MAY-08
Family related advice, help and signposting is now only a phone call away in North Tyneside with the creation of its new Families Information Service.
Providing information on childcare, family support and assistance, education, health, and sport and leisure activities, the new Families Information Service is a one-stop shop covering all aspects of family life in North Tyneside.
And a new dedicated helpline on 0845 2000 108 has been set up to make it even easier to access information.
The new number will operate over extended opening hours of 7.30 am until 8 pm Monday to Friday from July this year. Until then, it will be open from 8.30 am until 5 pm Monday to Thursday and 8.30 am until 4.30 pm on Friday.
Whether you need help to find a childminder, find a local health service, or ideas on how to entertain the children, the North Tyneside Families Information Service can help.
Cllr Norma Redfearn, cabinet member for Children, Young People and Learning, said: "The family is at the very heart of society and the new Families Information Service covers all aspects of family life.
"The Families Information Service is an extension of the former Children's Information Service, which focused on younger children and childcare. We are building on this success by now providing help and advice for all of the family."
The former Children's Information Service drop in centre in Whitley Bay will remain open until July this year, when it will move to the Riverside Children's Centre, Minton Lane, North Shields. The same dedicated team will be on hand to answer any queries.
The new service will also work more closely with communities and a programme of outreach sessions is currently under development.
Ann Glindon from North Tyneside Families Information Service added: "The former Children's Information Service was very popular and we expect that users will experience a better and enhanced service as a result of these changes.
"We hope to reach more people, through the new helpline, extended hours, and community sessions, and simply take the leg work out of finding the information you need.
"Our dedicated and fully trained team of advisors, many of whom have already worked for the Children's Information Service for a number of years, are there to help - and we promise that if we don't know the answer, we'll do our very best to find it out."
The North Tyneside Families Information Service can be contacted on 0845 2000 108 from 8.30 am until 5 pm Monday to Thursday and 8.30 am until 4.30 pm Friday.
It provides information on childcare services, family support and assistance, education, health, sport and leisure activities.
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See also story in Evening Chronicle:
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/news-archive/2008/06/02/help-and-...