Radford Families Centre - Plymstock

Stokingway Close, Plymstock, PL9 9JL

Tel: 01752 406680

Email: Community Development Worker

Community Development Worker: Helen Howlett

Weekly Programme of Events / Activities

The aim of Radford Family Centre is to provide a warm and friendly welcome to all centre users, whether they attend a daytime user group such as crèche, coffee morning or a parent and toddler group or a weekend function when our bar is open. It is vibrant and welcoming whatever the occasion.

The family centre is situated on the largest family quarter estate in Plymouth which is well situated for the many and varied facilities that Plymouth provides and is well appointed for those who commute to HMS Drake and the dockyard. We cater for Service personnel and their families, both those who live in their own homes and in service families’ accommodation.

Activities

The centre has many activities to suit most members, including social functions; such as a monthly family disco and bigger family get togethers such as Easter, Halloween and a variety of Christmas functions for both adults and children. The hall can also be booked for private functions such as birthday parties at a very competitive rate.

The Radford crèche (5 mornings and 4 afternoons per week 2 hourly sessions)is well run, by caring, qualified staff and is OFSTED registered, offering respite for busy mums and dads who welcome some time out, whether it is to recharge their batteries, visit the doctor or even catch up with some housework! The crèche has proved to be a much needed facility.

Many of our customers also found the "Toy Box Tots" parent and toddler group is a great way to make new friends and let the children play in a safe and stimulating environment. The group meet twice a week on Monday and Thursday mornings 10am-12noon. Sessions are planned and themed and seasonal activities take place. All this for just £1.00 per session. "Stay and Play” is a group for very young children and their parent/carer run by qualified workers. The group offers structured play including messy play, sand, paint etc and prepares the child for the pre-school environment. The group meets on Tuesday mornings (9.30 – 10.30) Most of the centre’s activities are term time only however, during the holidays we provide a variety of holiday activities for children aged 2 to 15 years. These activities are competitively priced. Early booking is advised.

For slightly older children we offer a range of social activities. Radford S.P.A.C.E youth group is now in its tenth year. The group for 6-11 year olds is very popular and great fun for the youngsters, trained staff and volunteers alike! The sessions held on a Thursday evening (5.30-7.00pm) are structured with fun and games in mind. If you can spare an hour of your time please come along and join in the fun. You will be most welcome. A more recent addition to the Centres busy programme is our Intermediate Youth Group for young people aged 12 to 15 yrs which operates on a Thursday evening. Pop along and try us out. Sessions at Youth Groups cost only £1 per session!

Rainbows are the “little Brownies”, part of the Girl Guide association for girls aged between 5-7 years. The group meets on a Tuesday evening (4.30-6.00). For older girls who have outgrown Rainbows we offer a Brownie group for girls aged 7+ who also meet in the centre on Tuesdays (4.30 -6.00pm). Both groups have a waiting list so don’t delay! Unfortunately there is a shortage of Girl Guide units in the Plymouth area at the present time and those girls who graduate from Brownies have nowhere to go. So if you have a couple of hours per week to spare and have a guiding qualification or you would like to start up a group and gain the qualification, we would love to hear from you.

For the more active members of the community we offer several dance classes for both children and adults alike and for varying levels of expertise and fitness. Groups for children from age five years meet on a Friday evening and a Saturday morning and adult groups are on a Monday evening.

Radford Pre-School is based on the same site and is open to children aged from 2 years. Staff are well experienced and qualified and the Pre-School gained a good OFSTED report in 2008. The crèche and pre-school have close working relationship and are able to offer parents all day care for over twos – ideal for working parents. 

The Friends and Families of Deployed Units group meet regularly at both Radford Family Centre and Crownhill Family Centre for social functions and family activities. The group offers support to anyone whose partner is away, whether on a course, weekending, or on deployment. Other social activities on offer are a fun bingo session on Monday afternoons where the emphasis is on fun and family, so why not come along, bring the kids and even win a prize. We also hold a coffee morning on a Friday, this is a relaxing social group which meets weekly for companionship, fun and fundraising. Children are most welcome.

The centre is also available at weekends for private functions. Monthly family discos and seasonal functions are held.

If you are interested in attending any of the wide and varied activities that we offer or if you have any ideas as to how we can improve our service to you, please do not hesitate to contact the Community Development Worker.