Disabled children in days out boost

A BUMPER £1 million could be spent on improving short breaks for children with disabilities in Oldham.

Cash could be secured from Government funds for the next two years — if Oldham Council can show it is prepared to spend it.

And to help make its case, the council is appointing a project manager, partly funded by Oldham Primary Care Trust.

Oldham’s executive director for children, young people and families, Janet Donaldson, said: “Short breaks enable children with disabilities to have the same opportunities as any other child, to experience life away from their families and grow to their full potential.”

The project manager will help make Oldham’s case for grants of £243,300 next year, and £784,700 in 2010/11.

If Oldham shows it uses the money effectively and efficiently, it could also get £400,000 to expand its services.

Currently, disabled children use a variety of short break services from charities public and health services.