CHILDREN’S charity Barnardo’s is bidding a fond farewell to a Swindon project which has transformed hundreds of local lives.

Barnardo’s South West has managed the Robert Le Kyng Sure Start children’s centre in Westcott Street since it first opened in 2006.

Managed by the charity on behalf of Swindon Council, the project provides free support and advice to parents and carers of under-fives.

The current contract expires at the end of this month, after which it will be managed by another provider, so a farewell party was held yesterday for the community to celebrate everything that has been achieved.

Since the project opened, it has registered more than 1,000 children and helped more than 450 families.

Support has included parenting programmes, breastfeeding advice, cookery courses, healthy eating, and links to training and employment.

Some 74 per cent of adults reported improved family relationships and 66 per cent reported improved parenting.

Almost 90 per cent reported increased confidence and 80 per cent reported improved social networks.

Heather Colbeck, director of Barnardo’s South West, said: “We are very sad to be leaving this important project, but we remain immensely proud of everything we achieved.

“The children’s centre is not closing. It will just be managed by another provider from April 1. Nor is Barnardo’s making staff redundant. Their employment will transfer to the new providers.

“We simply wanted the farewell celebration to end our partnership on a high note and raise awareness of how Sure Start schemes can give children the best possible start in life.”

Barnardo’s children’s services manager Julianna Forrester said: “We have a caring and enthusiastic team which has made a lasting difference.

“Thanks to the dedication and commitment of our staff and volunteers, together with the hard work of parents and carers, we have helped hundreds of people to achieve their potential.

“We hope local families will continue to make the most of the opportunities provided by this project, which offers free support during the crucial early years of a child’s life.”

One of Barnardo’s proudest achievements at the centre was a new garden area created by Grassroots Landscaping. The equipment and materials were donated by a large number of local businesses.

It includes raised beds and a small allotment, plus a den, fire pit, mud pit, willow maze, wooden climbing feature and a puddle splash area.

Councillor David Renard, cabinet member for children services, said: “I would like to thank Barnardo’s for the positive contribution it has made.

“I have followed their work with great interest and they have provided a firm platform for the new provider to build upon.”

The centre’s new provider and the date it will take over will be announced next week.