A centre which allowed children to safely meet with parents who had split up at a neutral venue has closed its doorts after 25 years of service.

Jimmy's Family Contact Centre helped more than 200 families by mediating meetings between estranged parents to allow children to see their mothers and fathers.

The centre, based at St James' Church in Palmerston Road, provided a neutral, safe and welcoming space for children to meet a parent where the couple have separated and cannot agree on suitable access arrangements to meet the children involved.

Jimmy's was a designated contact centre which provided support and promoted contact between parents, grandparents and children that do not have a Residence Order following family separation.

"We helped initiate contact where the family links had been lost often for many months and where the courts deemed it was in the best interests of the child to maintain contact with the non-resident parent. Often a difficult and stressful time for everyone concerned," said Margaret Minoletti, one of the volunteers.

A commemorative service took place outside in warm sunshine, with 20 volunteers able to meet up for the first time in almost 18 months after all the restrictions of the pandemic.

A plaque was erected over a peace rose, which will serve as a thankful reminder of the service Jimmy’s gave to separated families.

Unveiling the plaque was Lucy Glass, director of southern contact services for the National Association of Contact Centres.

She was presented with a rose arrangement that Linsey Barnes of Queens Road had kindly donated.

The event was led by two of the volunteers Margaret Minoletti, and Rory Worthington, while seven-year-old Olivia Heagren read some moving words written by children.

One example read: “I haven’t seen my father for over six months”. And “this is the best ever place” .

The volunteers ended by eating delicious Covid safe biscuits that were made by Mariana Lee of St James URC.

“It was great to get together and remember how much we valued our time as volunteers at Jimmy’s” reflected Claire Chapman, one of the many helpers.

The service provided for many families over its 25-year history and will be missed.