Family Support Centre “Perepesa” Opens in Valga

A family support and prevention centre named “Perepesa” has opened in Valga, a town in southern Estonia. It is the first centre of its kind in South Estonia. Its aim is to help expecting parents and families with children up to seven years old deal with everyday difficulties early, understand their children's needs better and strengthen family relationships. The opening was reported by the newspaper Lõuna-Eesti Postimees.

The centre operates at Kungla Street 12, in a building that also houses the municipal social work service and other service providers.

Support before problems arise

At the opening, centre manager Chris Põhjamets stressed that nobody learns the parenting role at birth, since people become parents by learning alongside their children. She hopes the place will help parents gain practical skills. Families without particular problems are also welcome, simply to play together and meet other parents.

The centre plans classes, training and events. Three specialists will work there: a manager, a play room coordinator and manager, and a psychologist. It is meant to be open every day, and basic services, including psychologist consultations, will be free.

A network of centres across Estonia

The concept was developed by the Child Welfare Development Foundation. Its founder and head, Maarja Oviir-Neivelt, said the Valga centre is the fourteenth “Perepesa” in Estonia, and that a similar centre opened in Haapsalu a day earlier. The idea emerged around 2013–2014 after her visit to a charity centre in Rapla County.

She said a pilot project in three municipalities in central Estonia was successful. The foundation then became the state's strategic partner, and it was decided to support the creation of new centres during their first two years, after which funding passes to local governments. Estonia has more than 70 municipalities, so the network has room to grow.

Elsewhere, a mothers' club has been set up at the Elva centre and a fathers' club, where fathers take part with their sons, is popular in Tori.

The ceremonial ribbon was cut by Oviir-Neivelt, Põhjamets and Valga municipality head Mart Kase.