A centre for families in Tiverton has received a grand makeover thanks to the Tiverton Rotary Club. The Uplift charity runs a nurturing supportive Hub in the heart of Tiverton; all families with young children under the age of five are welcome to meet, learn, and make connections at regular Play and Stay sessions and Baby Groups. There are themed Family Workshops designed to support parents, as well as a baby-weighing-in station.
At Uplift, families who do not meet the threshold of professional interventions from organisations such as the Children’s Centre and who may risk falling through the gaps in public sector provisions and other support bodies, can find information and professional (non referral) support. The Uplift service is free.
Under the direction of Peter Labdon, President of the Rotary,Club of Tiverton, Rotary has refurbished and painted the premises used by Uplift. The money was raised through the Rotary Fun Day which raised £1,500 towards the costs.
Additionally, the Interact Club (junior Rotarians) from Tiverton High School decorated the babies’ play area in black and red as, an example of the importance of the early years, newborns can see contrast between black and white shapes. The first primary colour they are able to distinguish is red. This happens in the first few weeks of life. Babies can start to notice differences in shades of colours, particularly between red and green, from three to four months old.
Uplift operates solely through donations, grants and fundraising events. They need publicity and they need everyone in the Tiverton area to know who they are and what they do. Uplift has a team of Trustees from wildly different backgrounds, each passionate to fulfil the ambition of Uplift.
John Timperley, chair and founder, is an orthopaedic surgeon who works in Devon. John founded Uplift as a project open to all families in the local area with the aim of contributing to positive experiences, promoting fun and improving the lives of the under fives and their families.
Josie Hambly is the Early Years Family Lead and the real “face” of Uplift. Widely experienced in working with young families, Josie will warmly welcome you to Uplift and introduce you to the wide range of activities and experiences available at the Hub. The easiest way to meet Josie is to pop in to four Lowman Green, opposite the Clocktower in Tiverton, or message her on the Uplift Facebook page: UpliftTiverton.