Volunteers needed for family centre

The Child and Parent Stress (CAPS) centre in Umina is in need of more volunteers.

Volunteers are fully trained and work in shifts, conducting classes and answering calls.

Many volunteers have worked for the service over the past 12 years, assisting parents and children of all ages.

CAPS is an Australia-wide free service that aims to support parents and alleviate family stress, so that children can grow up in an environment of security, happiness and self-worth.

CAPS has a child and parent stress centre located at Neera Rd, Umina Beach. The house is provided rent-free by Gosford Council. CAPS receives no assistance from the Department of Community Services.

Mrs Ginn said that they raise all their own funds.

The service is run by volunteers, headed by CAPS founder and director Dorothy Ginn and coordinator Merleen Beddows.

They help on the Australia-wide, 24-hour crisis line and work with local parents, children and even grandparents.

Mrs Ginn said: "We start off where other services finish and we are one of the few who are prepared to work with men."

The centre has two part-time paid workers and a team of volunteers who work with Peninsula families.

They help "non-coping" parents and families with a whole range of problems.

They also host a variety of classes on self-esteem and parenting, such as the triple P program (Positive Parenting Program), as well as craft courses.

They speak to all kinds of people through their crisis line, talking them through situations. They often call them back or visit them to let them know that they are not alone and there is someone to help them.

Mrs. Ginn said: "Our philosophy is to mother the mother so she can better mother the child."

The centre operates five days a week from 9am until 5pm, and the freecall telephone number is 1800 688 009 and is a 24-hour service.

Mrs Ginn said that people using the service will always get a receptive understanding volunteer who wants to give them time.

"If you're not coping don't hesitate to call."

The telephone number for The Child and Parent Stress Centre at Umina is 4343 1911.

After hours, callers can phone the 24-hour crisis line.

Amanda Jackson, April 12.