SNP MSP for Glasgow, Bob Doris, recently visited a parents and toddlers’ group at the Roystonhill Community Centre. The visit followed the good news that St Roch's Childcare received £390,832 from the Big Lottery Fund to support its "Play at our Place" project for the next three years, which enables it to develop services to meet increased demand as well as expand into neighbouring communities including Germiston and Blackhill.

The project will offer vulnerable families, including parent and toddler groups, family workshops, one-to-one support, and a respite care service for parents and a crèche provision. Bob took time out to chat to staff and parents and was excited to hear how the range of child care facilities on offer benefits families across Royston and beyond.

Following the visit Bob commented: "I'd like to thank everyone involved at St Roch's Childcare Services for taking the time to chat. It was obvious during my visit just how much both the parents and children benefit from the group.  I know the parents and toddlers’ group is just one of a range of childcare services being delivered by St Roch's across Royston and beyond. Listening to staff and families, it is clear the support offered goes far beyond child care and I'm sure their recent funding boost will be put to excellent use. With the Scottish Government determined to make childcare both more available and flexible, community organisations such as St Roch's childcare are vital partners in delivering on this ambition”.

Note:

Parliamentary motion

Motion S4M-14079: Bob Doris, Glasgow, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 27/08/2015

Congratulations to St Roch’s Childcare Services on Big Lottery Fund Success

That the Parliament congratulates St Roch’s Childcare Services on being awarded £390,832 by the Big Lottery Fund; understands that this award will support its "Play at our Place" project for the next three years, enabling it to develop services to meet increased demand as well as expand into neighbouring communities including Germiston and Blackhill; welcomes the support that the project will offer vulnerable families, including parent and toddler groups, family workshops, one-to-one support, a respite care service for parents and a crèche provision; believes that the project will enable family support workers to attend children's case conferences, undertake joint visits with health visitors and will support families with a range of issues in relation to housing, finances, schooling, health and language/cultural barriers; looks forward to St. Roch’s Childcare Services continuing to offer what it sees as vital support to communities in north Glasgow in years to come, thanks them for their efforts over the years, and wishes all those involved with St Roch’s every success in the years to come.