MP seeks guarantee of government funding for Harpenden Child Contact Centre
30 May 2025
Following a recent visit to Harpenden Child Contact Centre (HCCC) to see the incredible support they provide for local families first-hand, Victoria Collins MP for Harpenden and Berkhamsted, has written to the government urging them to resolve a delay in provision of funding to vital centres like this one.
HCCC provides a neutral and safe space allowing children to spend time with parents or family members they are not living with, following a separation. It is staffed entirely by volunteers, whose dedication to the centre ensures that this can happen.
Families can self-refer or be referred by a professional, such as a solicitor or social worker. For those whose applications are accepted, the centre is entirely free of charge, relying solely on generous donations and public funding (from the Ministry of Justice) to continue operating.
However as Victoria heard during her visit, HCCC are currently experiencing delays in receiving their funding - which is yet to be released to the NACCC (National Association of Child Contact Centres) who are responsible for its distribution, by the Ministry of Justice.
Until this funding is received, HCCC are deeply worried about the future of their centre, given that they rely on this grant alongside charitable donations to be able to provide this vital service to families in Hertfordshire.
Victoria has therefore written to the government urging them to give clarity on when this key funding will be released, and assurances on how they will secure stable support and funding for such centres going forwards.
Following the visit, Victoria said:
“It was brilliant to visit HCCC to learn more about the fantastic support they provide, and meet many of their incredible volunteers who are dedicated to providing this vital opportunity for families to spend time together, in a safe and neutral space.
“It’s clear that this service is a lifeline for families here in Harpenden and beyond, and it was deeply worrying to hear that they’re currently struggling to receive the funding they are so reliant on - as well as generous donations from our local community - to continue operating.
“That’s why I’m urging the government to give guarantees on when they will receive this funding, and confirm how they are working to secure the future of centres like HCCC going forwards, for the good of the families they support up and down the country.”
And Brigid Brennan, Chairman of HCCC, said:
“We were delighted to welcome Victoria to HCCC this May to see a contact session in progress and for her to gain a deeper understanding of the work Supervised Contact Centres do and the service we aspire to provide to our local community and beyond. Her support and interest in us is much appreciated.
“To find out more about how you might be able to assist HCCC as a Volunteer, Trustee or Member, please visit https://harpendenchildcontactcentre.org.uk/volunteering/”