At the same time she wanted stimulation at the adult level as well, and involvement in the Parents Centre Committee filled that need. Widening the horizons to meet more parents' needs Two objectives motivated Parents Centre to move to Family Friendly Communities - to achieve what the name suggests and to increase the public awareness of the Centre's work. A two stage approach - first the wider community and then the workplace Issues that were highlighted included the provision of safe play areas in shops, doorways that admit prams and pushchairs easily, safe storage of items dangerous to children, safety belts in shopping trolleys, mother's rooms in shopping centres, wheelchairs in retail premises, ramps beside steps for prams and pushchairs and children's chairs and menus in restaurants. Some pharmacies, supermarkets, doctors and shops have been awarded Parents Centre Family Friendly Communities Certificates because they have met the needs of families in their community. The workplace was the focus of attention in the second six months.
Many workplaces give little sense of support to their staff.
If an employer wants staff to show commitment to the firm this can be strengthened by treating staff as members of families, not just individuals doing a job, and showing an understanding of their needs, especially in times of stress. This does not always happen. Recently a man whose step brother was killed in an accident was refused compassionate leave to attend the funeral because the firm's policy on such leave did not extend to step relations. Often a woman returning to work and wishing to breast feed her baby has no place where she can sit and express her milk. Many employees face criticism if there is a phone call from a family member during working hours.