'My life has been turned around'

Teresa Goacher is 44, and has a three year old daughter called Charlie. She has been going along to Hailsham East Children’s Centre for a couple of years, and says it has changed her life.

Coming along for the first time

I didn’t go to playgroups as I felt I had nothing in common with the younger mums…I knew I had to do something about it, but I didn’t know where to turn.

Teresa used to worry about being an older mum, because she felt she had nothing in common with the younger mums at playgroup. She also worried that her daughter Charlie would find it hard to fit in with the other children.

Teresa has a grown-up daughter called Becky, who was already taking her own daughter along to Hailsham East Children's Centre. Becky persuaded her mum to come along and see what it was like. Teresa quickly found that everyone was welcoming and friendly, and that Charlie enjoyed playing with all the other children.

Volunteering and work experience

When Teresa had to go into hospital, Hailsham East Children’s Centre helped find a nursery place for Charlie. When Teresa came out of hospital, she returned to the Children's Centre because she got on so well with all of the staff and other parents. She enjoyed it so much, she decided to start volunteering there herself.

She completed a cookery course, and then helped with a Christmas dinner, for over 100 adults and 130 children. Teresa feels that being at the Children’s Centre has given her a new lease of life, as well as valuable work experience for a future career.

At the age of 44 my life has been turned around thanks to Hailsham East Children’s Centre. Now I miss it when I’m not there and I look forward to going as I feel it gives me a purpose.

With her new catering skills and the experience she has gained of using a till and liaising with the public, she feels she could go and work in any care home or hotel.

Come along to your nearest Children's Centre

To find more about what a Children’s Centre can offer you, and to find out where your nearest Children’s Centre is, go to our Children’s Centre pages.