News : North Devon Insight

Pregnant? Worried? Alone? Need someone to talk to? Talking can often help sort things out. Support can make a difference. Before you make a decision…stop. Whatever your situation, take time to talk, think and know the facts. Explore the options and what they could mean to you and those around you.

Life charity has opened a new branch of its Pregnancy Crisis Centres in Barnstaple town centre. The Centre opened its charity shop on November 2nd 2009. Called ‘Polished Pearls’ it sells good quality women’s accessories, glass and china-ware. The shop will help support the work of both the Crisis Centre and the Mums and Dads ‘Drop in’ with ongoing support for the parents.

Life’s nationwide Pregnancy Crisis Centres offer a confidential ‘safe space’ where women can access free pregnancy testing, emotional support and counselling. We also offer information on pregnancy, pregnancy loss, abortion and provide practical support for mothers and fathers and their babies. An increasing part of the work involves post-abortion counselling including talking to men and wider family members, who can also be adversely affected by abortion.

Apart from these face-to-face services, Life also run a National Helpline, 0800 915 4600, staffed by the most experienced of counsellors and skilled helpers, available 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 5pm on Saturdays. This is complemented by Text-to-Talk (07786 200330) for anyone who needs to talk in confidence.

The Barnstaple branch is situated at Church House, Church Lane, Barnstaple, EX31 1DE, Tel 01271 323122. The shop, ‘Drop –In’ and the counselling room are at the same address. To find us, walk along Butchers Row and half way down there is a turning into Church Lane, opposite the opening into the Pannier market. We are situated next to the ‘My Dolls House’ shop. Anyone wishing to help with the volunteer shop work, please give us a call.
The ‘Drop in’ will be run by a qualified Nursery Nurse and will be opening for the first time on Thursday, February 11th, 10.30 – 12.30. Do come along and enjoy a cuppa and chat in mum/baby/child friendly surroundings. We will also be open on Tuesdays at the same time. As volunteers come forward we hope to extend this service further. All staff will, of course, be CRB checked.

The counselling room is upstairs, accessed via a separate door to the shop. Also upstairs, we have a Training/Conference room. The room will seat approximately 15 -20 people with desks, comfortable chairs, tea/coffee making facilities and plenty of electrical sockets for laptops etc. Both the Training room and the Counselling room are available for use at a discretionary donation to the work of the charity. For further information on this please telephone the shop on 01271 323122.

Elaine Richardson, Director of Life charity Barnstaple branch