Durham - Disabled children missing benefits

County Durham's Children's Network offers huge benefits to disabled children and their families but hundreds of people are unaware it exists.

The Children's Network was set up about five years ago to help people find out more about the services on offer. It currently has 150 children on its register but the real figure for the county is estimated to be at least four times higher.

Network staff are keen to track down these hidden families and are urging parents and carers to register disabled children up to the age of 18.

Rob Watson has recently been appointed Children's Network project worker with the task of finding the families who are missing out and bring them on board.

He said: "The register brings together parents, carers and staff from health, social services, education and voluntary organisations to discuss the development of services and to tackle problems faced by children with disabilities.

"The Children's Network is a way that we can share good news about the many successes of children with disabilities and so keep parents and carers up to date with anything of interest."

He added: "We want to help people develop their independence and we can put them in touch with organisations and other families who are going through the same experience.

"It's an important support network and we would like to hear from anyone who is interested in benefiting from the services we can offer."

In a bid to publicise the work of the Network, staff will be circulating information leaflets throughout the county during the next few months.

They will also be holding a family fun day on July 15, at the DLI Museum at Aykley Heads in Durham City.

Children with disabilities and their families will be able to take part in a wide range of activities, including a balloon race. Entry to all activities will be free.

Anyone who wants more information about the event or the work of the Children's Network should contact Rob Watson on (0191) 383 4095 or e-mail him at ssisd inde