GOOD to talk . . . MP John Bercow, centre manager Anna Reeves, therapist Andrea McGuiness, Afonso Ramalhoso and Maxine Hartley

YOUNGSTERS at a pioneering communication charity in Oldham are helping shape future Government funding.

The ACE Centre North, based at Hollinwood Business Centre, helps support children and adults with a learning or physical disability who have communication difficulties.

John Bercow, MP for Buckingham, has been asked by Health Secretary Alan Johnson and Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families Ed Balls to review the needs of children and young people with speech, language and communication difficulties.

And he was in Oldham yesterday to meet youngsters who attend the centre and see how the charity improves lives.

Mr Bercow said he wanted to visit the centre personally after hearing about the good work it had done.

“It is extremely important to be here, most of all to meet the children, young people, parents and carers,” he added.

“It is important to hear their own stories about the needs they have, the difference the ACE Centre and communication aids can make, and what needs to be done to improve provision in the future.”

Mr Bercow is set to make recommendations to the Government in July which could change the type and amount of funding given to support children, as well as how it is delivered.

ACE Centre North has lost central government funding over the last few years.

The charity is also facing a 20 per cent increase in running costs as money from a key charitable organisation will be phased out over the next year.

Mr Bercow said: “Children and adults who attend the centre are sometimes affected by a series of complex needs and depend on a communication aids to express their hopes and fears.

“I’m very hopeful ministers will be receptive and I’m absolutely determined that my review should result in a difference.”

Mr Bercow said his recommendations would involve some financial commitment from the Government.

Possible recommendations could include establishing more ACE centres across the country, having a regional commissioners so children’s needs can be met locally, and pooling resources across a region.

He said: “Everything I’ve heard tells me ACE Centre North does a fantastic job.

“I would regard it as a scandal if either of the two ACE centres in the country closed because their funding runs out.”

Manager Anna Reeves said: “Mr Bercow is here to find out about what role a centre like this plays.

“We are thrilled he has taken an interest in the area.”
     

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