National Children's Centre
Sometimes this was to be through research, sometimes through innovative action, sometimes by informing the media or by discussing progress with politicians, administrators, or members of the many professions that touch on the field.
[1] His imaginative and innovative ideas, combined with Wigmore's energy and organisational skills, enabled the implementation of unusual practical schemes and research projects.
The first home of the National Children's Centre was in Huddersfield's Longroyd Bridge neighbourhood, in a 1940s building (now listed) which straddles the river on long legs and is adjacent to a bus depot and workshop.
[2] Based on Brian's findings—that childminders wanted the tools for the job, in addition to advice and support—groups were set up in the ground-floor nursery at Longroyd Bridge.
Jackson proposed to the BBC that "a television series with appropriate back-up would be one way of improving the quality of care offered to the young children of working mothers" (NCC Quinquennial Report 1980).
The BBC published a supporting handbook, which was subsidised by the Health Education Council and distributed free by social-services departments to all registered childminders throughout the country.
[3] Funded by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, the switchboard used NCC staff and the resources of radio stations in six large UK cities to help reduce child abuse.
Due partly to Hazel Wigmore's strong links with local families, the centre developed relationships with the African-Caribbean, South Asian and Chinese communities in particular.
[citation needed] Wigmore and Jackson assembled a group of trustees and vice-presidents, including Neville Butler, Margaret Carter, Denis Healey, Huddersfield District Health Authority head Peter Wood, local MP Barry Sheerman, Win Wheable-Archer (former chair of Social Services), Lady Ewart-Biggs, Hugh Jackson, Alan Sainsbury and John Henniker.
Funding included trusts, foundations, organisations, government schemes and local fundraising through a charity shop, street collections and an annual Teddy Bears Picnic.
