THE official launch of Omagh Child Contact Centre took place on recently in Omagh Methodist Church Hall. Guest speakers included the local family court magistrate, John Meehan and the Northern Ireland Children and Young People's Commissioner, Patricia Lewsley.

Speakers highlighted the difficulties children often experienced following the breakdown of their parents' relationship and welcomed the valuable service offered by Omagh Child Contact Centre. All speakers agreed that the most important people at the centre are the children. Separation from a parent can be very difficult for a child. The needs of children must be put first and it is important for them to spend time with both parents.

Speaking after the event, the OCCC co-ordinator, Aidan Bunting, said, "When parents divorce or separate, it's often difficult for their children to keep in touch with both mum and dad and other family members. It's especially hard for them to spend time with the parent they no longer live with. It is estimated that 100,000 children each year lose contact with a parent.

"A Child Contact Centre is a meeting place where children of separated families can enjoy contact with one or both parents, and sometimes other family members, in a comfortable and safe environment when there is no viable alternative.

"Our centre here in Omagh hosts contact sessions twice a month on a Saturday morning. A team of trained volunteers is on hand at each session to assist with handovers and make sure that there are toys and games for families to enjoy, but they do not interfere with families spending valuable time together."

Commenting on the success of Child Contact Centres in helping parents to work together for the benefit of their children, a dad said, "The support and use of a Child Contact Centre has been essential in maintaining contact between my children and I. As my ex-wife and I had no immediate families to support us I really didn't know what would have happened if a Child Contact Centre had not been available".

For more information on the work of the centre in Omagh contact The Coordinator, Omagh Child Contact Centre, c/o FOCUS, Omagh Community House, Drumragh Avenue, Omagh BT78 1DP or telephone 07724 559821.