Enfield secures over 3 million pounds for disabled children

Soon Enfield’s Joint Service for disabled children will be providing more short breaks for disabled children which in turn will provide more respite periods for their families and carers.

This good news comes as a result of a successful bid to the government’s pathfinder funding scheme which has awarded Enfield over £300,000 this year and £1.4 million for each of the next two years.

There is also an allocation of £156,000 this year and £365,000 for each of the next two years to provide adaptations at the council’s acclaimed centre Cheviots.

This major funding investment will provide many more disabled children with enjoyable and valuable experiences away from their parents and carers.

Janet Leach, Head of the Joint Service for Disabled Children said, “In our bid we demonstrated that our excellent service is well placed to deliver immediate improvements to the short breaks we offer and lead the way in supporting other London boroughs that may not be as well advances as us.

“To meet the needs of families the short breaks will vary in length from just a few hours to a weekend or week, with disabled children and young people being cared for in their own home or given opportunities to access activities and places in the wider community.”

Janet will now be working with Cheviots, the PCT, the voluntary sector and most importantly parents of disabled children to ensure that the new short breaks really meet the needs of families.

Cllr Glynis Vince said” I am delighted that our excellent service has been so successful in securing this funding. The quality of the bid passed rigorous scrutiny and I congratulate all those who prepared it.

“The funding will now be put to very good use providing varied experiences for children who will gain so much.

“ Disabled children and young people deserve the same opportunities as other children and young people and short breaks are vital in supporting their families.”

Enfield is one of just two London boroughs to receive this award. Nationally

21 councils out of 90 were chosen for pathfinder money.

The Joint Service for disabled children combines the work of health, social services, education and the voluntary sector into a one-stop shop for families of children with disabilities.

This document was last updated on 2008-01-15 17:44:59 published by the web team team. Document Reference:LBE_132184