HELP and advice will be available today for people in east Durham caring for young people with special needs.

The event for parents and carers is being staged at Shotton Hall, in Peterlee, by East Durham Positive Inclusion Partnership (EDPIP).

A total of 38 helping-hand organisations will be attending, including Easington Primary Care Trust, District of Easington Council, Durham County Council social care and welfare rights, East Durham and Houghall College and Easington District Carers.

More than 200 youngsters with special needs who attend schools in the area have also been invited along to take part in a range of fun activities.

such as face painting and craft and music and drama workshops.

District of Easington councillor and chairperson of EDPIP Joan Freak said: "The event has been organised to raise awareness of the East Durham Positive Inclusion Partnership and our work in ensuring young people with special needs and their parents and carers do not feel socially isolated.''

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