Lifeline set to close due to cash shortage for Special Needs

Lifeline tet to close due to cash shortage for Special Needs looks set to close because of cash crisis. The Wednesday Fun Club for special needs in Blackley, desperately needs to raise £10,000 to stay open long-term after is funding ran out. Letters warning of the possibility of the clubs closure on the 27th Febuary have already been sent out to heartbroken parents, but the clubs leader John Biggs is appealing to local businesses to step-in and try and stave off closure.

Mr Biggs said: "We have had to write a letter to parents explaining that we have to close but how can you tell children that we have ran out of money, Its heartbreaking."

It is not the first time the club has faced closure. In October last year the club, which employs five specially trained staff to provide a range of activities for 18 children aged between eight and 13, was saved by the last minute grant of £2,000 from Manchester City Council. But the cash was only enough to keep it going for four months and Mr Biggs said the club, which was launched four years ago and is the only one of its kind in the area, needs to secure more permanent funding to guarantee its long term future.

Single mum Annette Baker, whose 11 year-old son James attends the club said: "James has got Down Syndrome and can't play out like other children. He absolutely loves the club, its his social life and wishes every day could be Wednesday. I will be absolutely devastated if the club closes. Those 2 hours are precious, they give me time to do my shopping and visit my dad. I need to make sure James can access somewhere that is safe and he is included. Its the highlight of his week and i am really hoping they can find some more substantial fundind."

Mr Biggs said: "We need around £10,000 to be able to keep it going for a year. We need to be able to offer the kids some security. When you see the smiles on their faces it is so rewarding and the club also offers some rest bite for the parents. They can relax knowing their children are safe."

Councillor Mark Hacket, who had helped secure last-minute funding from the council back in October, said he was not aware that the Webnesday Fun Club was once again facing closure. He vowed to look into the situation. He said: "This is the sort of thing that the council should be funding. The Club is excellent and it is an important part of our community."

To find out what goes on at the fun club, please see the video below:



If you would like to help or get involved, please contact John Biggs by email: johnwhitemoss@googlemail.com