Lotto cash a big help for Small Talk

SPECIALIST speech therapy sessions for youngsters with Down’s Syndrome are on their way to Oldham after a grant from the Big Lottery fund.

The £6,680 windfall will allow the DS West Pennine support group to provide specialist sessions for tots within the group.

Started by Saddleworth mother-of-three Moira Fields last year, the group has gone from strength to strength and now provides a much-needed service to 50 families from as far away as Rossendale.

Disappointed with the lack of support locally, Moira took it upon herself to get the ball rolling with son Isaac, now four, and has now set up a registered charity.

Moira (39) said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us, most children with Down’s Syndrome suffer from speech difficulties but lack input from therapists because the services are so stretched.

“Launching our Small Talk sessions will mean having a team of therapists on hand once a month, which will be so beneficial.”

The Stanley Road children’s centre in Chadderton is the base for the parent-led group, which meets on the second Saturday of each month from 1-4pm.

The aim is to help parents and children learn how to communicate through sign-assisted speech and aid speech development at home.

But fun, smiles and energy are also no stranger to parents and their youngsters.

Sticky Fingers sees tots get messy and creative while Happy Feet lets them let off steam by hitting the dance floor.

Moira said: “The support from the public and local businesses has just been unbelievable and the group is virtually like a family now.”

A high-spirited race night will also see vital funds raised for the group in October.

Skating superstars Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean have donated replicas of their 1984 Olympic gold medals to be auctioned off on the night, as well as a signed programme from their TV series “Dancing On Ice”.

Northern funnyman Peter Kay has also provided a signed photo and DVD, signed “Keep Smiling Best Wishes Peter Kay”, for bidders.

To inquire about the event at Delph Club in Gartside Street, Delph, on Saturday, October 15, or find information about the group, email dswestpennine@hotmail.co.uk or phone 07919-016-690.