GROUPS providing activities for children and young people with disabilities have been awarded grants under an annual initiative.

The Short Break Grants Fund of £40,000 is distributed by Middlesbrough Council every year to help provide respite care and sports, arts and holiday activities.

Applications are initially considered by a Parents Grant Panel, whose members all have direct experience of living and caring for children with a disability.

The Panel’s recommendations are then considered for approval by Councillor Charlie Rooney, chairman of the grants to the voluntary sector executive committee.

He said: “The parents and carers of children with disabilities are some of the real unsung heroes in the local community, and it is only right that we do whatever we can to support them.

“None of the activities funded under this initiative is free to parents, but the grants help to make them affordable.

“With household budgets under unprecedented pressure, that can make a real difference to people’s lives, both in terms of supporting activities and giving parents and carers a much needed break.”

Six grants have been approved for the coming year, with decisions pending on a further two applications:

Great Expectations - £5,460 towards school holiday nursery provision for children up to eight.

Child Deaf Youth Project - £9,000 towards youth provision for Junior and Seniors.

Middlesbrough Sportability - £9,000 towards sporting activities, including school holiday programmes.

Priory Woods - £5,000 towards a three-week summer holiday scheme.

Main Project - £6,570 towards school holiday provision for children with an autistic condition.

AJ Academy - £3,000 towards weekly performing arts group.