Welcome to C4F
We understand how important family connections are. For children, time spent with their parents and loved ones plays a vital role in their sense of security, identity, and emotional wellbeing.
Sometimes, family life can take unexpected turns.
Separation, court processes, distance, or difficult circumstances can mean that children and parents cannot spend time together in the usual way.
C4F provides a safe, neutral, and welcoming environment where families can continue to build and maintain relationships. We believe that every child deserves the chance to spend quality time with the people who matter most to them, in a setting that protects their safety and supports their happiness.
We are not a charity, and we are not a corporate organisation. We are a community company — professional, reliable, and trusted, yet personal, approachable, and deeply committed to helping families through challenging times.
We are proud to work with….
Our Services
Every family’s situation is different, so we offer a range of contact options to suit different needs and circumstances.
For families where risk factors are higher, we provide fully
supervised sessions. A trained member of our team remains within sight and sound throughout, observing interactions, ensuring safety, and recording the session as required. While the framework is structured, our staff are also skilled in helping children feel relaxed, comfortable, and supported, so the focus stays on positive time together.
Supervised Contact
Supported Contact
When risks are lower or families are progressing from supervision, supported contact offers a gentler step forward. Staff are nearby to provide reassurance and assistance if needed, but the emphasis is on allowing families to enjoy natural, relaxed time together in a safe space.
Indirect Contact
Sometimes direct meetings aren’t possible, but children still benefit from knowing that their parent cares. We support indirect contact, such as letters, cards, or gifts. These are checked to ensure they are appropriate and in the best interests of the child, helping to keep connections alive in a safe and supportive way.
Virtual Contact
Distance, health issues, or other circumstances may make in-person visits difficult. Through video calls on secure platforms like Teams or Skype, we help families see and talk to each other wherever they are. These can be either supervised or supported, offering flexibility without losing the sense of closeness.
Handover
For some families, the challenge is not the time together but the exchange itself. Our handover service provides a neutral, safe environment where a child can move between parents without conflict or stress. Parents do not need to meet face-to-face, which helps reduce tension and ensures the child experiences a calm, smooth transition.
Parenting Plan Support
We also help parents develop parenting plans — practical, forward-looking agreements that outline how ongoing contact will work. These plans put the child’s needs first and give families clarity about routines, expectations, and responsibilities moving forward.
Caring Dads
Parenting is one of the most important and challenging roles a man can take on. But sometimes, difficult life experiences, conflict, or harmful patterns of behaviour can damage relationships with children and their mothers.
Independent Social Workers
Independent Social Workers available are experienced, impartial professionals providing assessments, reports, and guidance to support children’s safety and wellbeing in complex family situations.
Room Hire
Whether for contact sessions, meetings, or assessments, our rooms are designed to meet your needs with warmth, confidentiality, and care.
Free Services
We have a range of free services available to both existing and new clients.
Adult Counselling
Adult Counselling Service – Free one-hour sessions each month for adults who need emotional support. Our qualified counsellors provide a safe, confidential space to talk through challenges, explore feelings, and find ways forward.
Freedom Programme
Freedom Programme – A supportive course for survivors of domestic abuse. Led by trained facilitators, it helps you understand abusive behaviour, make sense of your experience, rebuild confidence, and learn how abuse affects children — all in a safe, confidential space.
Legal Drop In Clinic
Legal Drop-In Clinic – Free 30-minute sessions with a qualified legal professional. Get practical advice on family matters such as contact, separation, divorce, and finances in a safe, supportive setting.
Mothers Support Group
Mothers Support Group – A free online space for Mums to connect, share experiences, and get support. Meet weekly on Zoom to talk, listen, and feel less alone in motherhood.
Fathers Support Group
Fathers Support Group – A free online space for Dads to connect, share experiences, and get support. Meet weekly on Zoom to talk, listen, and feel less alone in fatherhood.
Helping Hands Programme
A 13-week online course (donations only) helping families build stronger bonds, improve communication, reduce conflict, and create a safer, more supportive home.
Why Families Choose C4F
We know that choosing a contact centre can feel daunting.
Families come to us because we offer a balance of professional structure and genuine care.
Child-focused approach
Everything we do starts with the child’s wellbeing — emotionally, physically, and psychologically.
Safe, welcoming spaces
Our centres are designed to feel homely and child-friendly, with toys, books, play equipment, and outdoor areas where possible.
Experienced staff
Our team members are trained not only in supervision but also in sensitivity, emotional awareness, and safeguarding. They know when to step in, when to step back, and how to support families with kindness.
Trusted reputation
We receive referrals from courts, CAFCASS, solicitors, local authorities, and parents themselves. Our work is recognised, accredited, and respected.
What to Expect
Coming to a family contact centre for the first time can feel overwhelming. At C4F, we aim to make the process clear and reassuring from the start.
1.
Initial Enquiry or Referral
You may be referred by a professional, or you might contact us directly. Either way, our team will listen carefully to your situation and explain how we can help.
2.
Registration and Assessment
Families go through a registration process, where we gather important information about circumstances, needs, and any risks that must be considered. This helps us match you with the most suitable type of service.
3.
Planning the Contact
We then arrange your sessions, including location, timing, and structure. You’ll know who will be present, how the session will run, and what to expect.We then arrange your sessions, including location, timing, and structure.
4.
The Sessions, Review and Feedback
Our trained staff are there to support you, encourage positive interactions, and make sure your child feels safe and comfortable. Contact is an ongoing journey. We review regularly to see how things are progressing, whether circumstances have changed
