Fun Factory Helping Autistic Children In School Holidays

Online, August 11, 2011 (Newswire.com) - FUN FACTORY HELPING AUTISTIC CHILDREN IN SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

A Stoke-on-Trent children's playcentre has joined forces with a local charity to offer private parties for children with autism and Asperger's Syndrome.

Fenton Fun Factory is working with the North Staffordshire Asperger's and Autism Association to provide exclusive access to the centre for children diagnosed with the conditions, and will host several parties during the summer holidays.

It gives the children the opportunity to play on the centre's slides, ball pool and football pitch, and avoid becoming isolated from other young people - a common problem for children with autism and Asperger's when school is closed.

And the centre is now urging other charities which work with children to come forward, as well as any organisation which could be affected by cutbacks to children's centres in the area.

Fenton Fun Factory owner Alexandra Saba said: "We've had a couple of private parties for the NSAAA now and they've been a great success, with more than 20 children attending each one.

"We're hosting another four in the school holidays and would love to team up with any other charity or business which works with children.

"The City Council needs to cut 30% from the budget for children's centres and this could leave many organisations, like playgroups for instance, without a home."

The sessions are open to all members of the NSAAA, including those who have not been diagnosed with autism.

The charity's Helpline Supervisor Fiona Caddy said: "The NSAAA has been able to hire the Fun Factory for exclusive use which has helped our members to relax and enjoy the facilities in a supportive environment.

"We are able to hire the facilities during the summer holidays, thanks to a summer grant from Aiming High Staffordshire.

"We find the Fun Factory to be a spacious and friendly environment where the staff are always very helpful and patient."

Stoke-on-Trent City Council needs to save £2.25m from the budget for children's centres and are currently undergoing a consultation to help decide where they should be made. Their findings should be published in August.

Further information is available from www.fentonfunfactory.com.

Media enquiries should be directed to Richard Swancott Associates on 01782 472035 or [email protected].

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Note to editors
Families plan High Court challenge on budget cuts: http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Families-plan-High-Court-challenge-budget-cuts/story-12123892-detail/story.html
The parties are taking place on August 12th, 19th and 23rd, and September 2nd, between 6pm and 8pm.