The value of community centres and the costs of sociability

I was talking to some young mothers the other day about the use of their community centre, and what they went there for. In these cases, in a low income neighbourhood with demanding toddlers at home and nothing much to do, it's mainly social contact.

Once they've gained the confidence to get across the threshold of the centre, they would do pretty much whatever course was available if there was free or cheap creche provision. And when that course's finished they sign up for the next.

Two of the women I spoke to had decided to set up their own group at the end of a course on self-esteem and stress management. One of them told me the only problem was the extent to which her mobile phone bill had gone up:

A year ago I didn't have any friends. Now I make so many calls I've had to switch to a contract.