AN after-school club that has changed the lives of children with special needs across the area for three years will be forced to close within three months if it does not secure funding.
The weekly activity group, organised by the charity Crossroads Care Brentwood, Basildon and Districts, has given youngsters with physical and mental disabilities the chance to join activities alongside other children in a similar position.
Catering for those aged five to 19, the group meets at Castledon School, Bromfords Drive, Wickford.
In April last year Essex County Council's £36,000 grant came to an end and since then the charity has been forced to ask parents for a small contribution. They have paid the rest of their outgoings from their dwindling reserves.
The group is now pleading with Basildon Borough Council to provide the funding they say they promised three years ago.
Bob Collum, 43, of Latiner Drive in Basildon, works as a learning support assistant. His son Jack is autistic and has been attending the club for three years.
Mr Collum said: "Jack loves going there.
"It provides opportunities for kids to try things with their peers. It gives them a chance to be themselves.
"When they are taken out with Crossroads there are a lot of staff and they get to visit all sorts of places. We have to pay a fee but it's still a bargain.
"There's nothing else that's quite like Crossroads. Because it's based in the school environment it's something the children feel comfortable with."
Paul Barrell, 51, a trustee at the charity, said: "We've been let down on numerous occasions, we were promised funding from Basildon Council but now they're trying to deny it."
He explained that as well as the after-school club the group works with young carers and provides dementia services. These services receive dedicated National Lottery funding but are also at risk if the after-school club continues without funding.
"We're looking at three months before the club has to close. We have the other services to think about too and we have to be careful not to go bankrupt.
"The difference a club like this makes to peoples' lives is just amazing. The club is good for the parents too - many of them are in a tough financial situation, so the services we provide can help them improve their life opportunities through taking up part time work or spending some quality time with their other children and partners."
The club is run by three qualified staff from Crossroads Care and a number of trained volunteers.
Mr Barrell explained that as many as 30 children have attended the group at one time. They meet on Tuesdays and the fee since April is £12.25 per session.
He added that as well as seeking funding from Basildon Council the group welcomes any businesses or groups that would support their worthy cause.
A spokesman from Basildon Council said: "I am not aware of Basildon making any promises to the group.
"If they require revenue funding, my understanding is that it is an Essex County Council function. The only funding Basildon Council has available is for community projects but not for revenue funding.
"We offer small grants to organisations and the one off Community Investment Fund if the club fit the criteria we would welcome a bid from them. Otherwise the CVS may be able to help the group look for alternatives.
"Sadly, revenue funding is becoming more and more difficult to obtain that is why volunteers are so essential in the current financial climate."
To discuss fundraising opportunities with Crossroads Care Brentwood, Basildon & Districts, call 01277 201789.
