THE Red Centre is a vital resource for many disabled children and carers, not only today but for the future.

Children of today are the adults of tomorrow and anything that helps children grow into fulfilled adults benefits them and society in the future.

If the centre didn't exist, Social Services would have far more demands made on them. The centre, in one of its roles, supports parents and signposts areas within Social Services and the voluntary sector which may be suitable for your child. The best thing about it is how staff get to know the children first and can give a rounded, professional view of the child's needs.

So many children are known to the Re:d Centre who simultaneously remain unknown to Social Services. But should Social Services be required then the centre is very positive about what can be provided and helps carers to understand the complicated criteria system.The worry is that,as hard as it is now to get Social Services help, it will become much harder as the criteria is tightened in the name of saving money.

Without the present level of help and support from the Re:d Centre being maintained there will be so many families under stress and lost in the system.

Social workers are helpful once they become involved, and they can be really good at fighting your corner. The social workers I have met have always been dedicated to their work. Maybe their views should be sought. What do they feel about offering a reduced service to clients?

The council say demand for this sort of facility is increasing, so maybe they should be looking into why. Also, if its increasing in Bury, surely its increasing for all other councils. So would they not have a good case to go back to central government and demand better funding for Social Services overall?

Its seems a shame that something that works so well is being targeted because it is easy to do, while at the same time enabling them to hide behind the NCH-Hurdles partnership, leaving the partners to break the news to parents and children.

And this Government says: Every child matters.

ANNE-MARIE TAYLOR,

parent of a child with speech

and language difficulties.