University partners with national charity to improve outcomes for children and families

The University of Suffolk has announced a partnership with an organisation helping children maintain contact with both parents following a relationship breakdown.

The new Civic Partnership Agreement with the National Association of Child Contact Centres (NACCC) has been founded on a shared commitment to improving outcomes for children and families.

The partnership originally grew from connections made at the NACCC-accredited Ipswich Child Contact Centre, where two University BA (Hons) Childhood: Children, Rights and Social Justice students, Ashlea Potkins and Alisha Maycock, were working as part of a student placement.

Their experience inspired a wider conversation between the two organisations about the potential for joint learning and professional development.

Stuart Agnew, Associate Professor and Director, Centre for Academic and International Partnerships at the University of Suffolk, said: “This partnership is an important one in our role as a Civic University committed to contribute to the wellbeing and prosperity of people in Suffolk.

“As part of this, we intend to work with the NACCC on the joint development of training and qualifications for contact centre staff, provide opportunities for students to gain experience and placements in accredited centres and work collaboratively to strengthen safeguarding, governance and best practice across the network.

“This collaboration has the potential for the University to have an impact nationally on vital services that support those who are most in need.”

The NACCC is the only charity accredited to set national standards for child contact services across the UK, helping children to stay in touch with parents and family members following relationship breakdowns.

In September, Carolyn Leader, Lecturer in Childhood at the University of Suffolk, attended the NACCC’s AGM and conference, where she spoke about the joint project to develop qualifications for centre staff. Student Ashlea Potkins was also announced as a winner of the NACCC’s Safeguarding Excellence Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to addressing the changing needs of children and families using Ipswich Child Contact Centre.

Elizabeth Coe, CEO of NACCC, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with the University of Suffolk.

“This collaboration will strengthen the skills and knowledge of those working in NACCC-accredited child contact centres across the country, helping to ensure children continue to enjoy safe, positive family time following separation.

“The University’s expertise and commitment to community engagement align perfectly with NACCC’s mission to best support families navigating change across the UK.”

For further information about NACCC, visit the website.