Nick Gibb MP met Jackie Johnson and Joan Crane who run the Littlehampton Child Contact Centre.
The centre serves as a neutral place where children from separated families are able to spend time with one or both parents, as well as other family members. The Centre tries to create a sociable, neutral and warm environment in which children are put first.
The Centre takes place at the Littlehampton Baptist Church. It has been operating for 10 years and is an accredited member of the National Association of Child Contact Centres. They meet for 2 hours every other Saturday.
It is run principally by volunteers, of which there are currently 17. The service is free of charge.
The average length of time a family will use the Centre would be 6 months, although for some it can be for a few years.
Nick Gibb said: "It is wonderful that such an important service is available to families who have split up so children can keep in touch with their non-resident parent. And it's wonderful that it's free of charge and run by volunteers. I hope more separated families will be aware of the availability of this important service."
Photo: Joan Crane (5 years experience as a volunteer), Nick Gibb, Jackie Johnson (co-ordinator)