A few weeks ago I was invited to have a coffee at Number Seventy Two by its leaders, Tim and Joy Ayrton, who live in Acton. Tim and Joy came to the Sudbury area some five years ago to be family and community workers and the Centre opened in the autumn of 2007 in response to the growing demands of their work.
Number Seventy Two, which can be found in North Street, Sudbury, is a family support centre, combined with a very pleasant coffee shop. You can just visit to have a coffee and a chat if you wish. If however you are faced with family difficulties of all sorts there are resources here to help you. In addition to a wide range of relevant publications there are people on hand who can offer practical help and counselling. Problems and issues addressed by the team include those related to marriage, parenting and bereavement. In addition, the Centre hosts parents’ discussion groups, and, more relevant than ever in these difficult economic times, offers budgeting advice and help with debt problems.
I was very impressed by the welcoming and relaxed atmosphere at Number Seventy Two. There is space for children to occupy themselves and comfortable chairs in a light and bright environment. A bit of a contrast with Sudbury CAB I’m afraid, and something we should be aspiring to in our forthcoming refurbishment!
The Centre has strong links to a number of churches in the Sudbury area, but their services are available to everyone regardless of religious persuasion. If you, or someone you know, has a problem related to the family, this is clearly a good place to seek help.
