By HELEN COMPSON helen.compson@hexham-courant.co.uk

Published at 09:36, Friday, 16 July 2010

A GROUP of disabled young people are desperately trying to rescue their social club from a financial crisis.

The summer scheme run by Hexham-based Tynedale Activities for Special Children (TASC) will close in a matter of months unless a big hearted sponsor can be found.

And according to one concerned parent, the consequences to both the youngsters and their families do not bear thinking about.

Lynn McKie, whose 17-year-old daughter Katelyn has Down’s Syndrome, said: “TASC provides a brilliant service that is unique in Tynedale.

“It allows young people with learning disabilities to enjoy some independence, but in a safe, supportive environment.

“The thought of Katelyn bored for six weeks with nothing to do is unbearable – she doesn’t want to go to the cinema with her mum. She’s 17!”

Importantly, TASC not only benefits the members, but also provides valuable respite for their families.

It often gives parents some much needed time with their other children.

Established in 1998, the charity’s summer scheme gets more than 50 young people out and about, enjoying everything from restaurant meals to swimming and pamper sessions.

But manager Andrew Sanders said the recession had ruined one or two key benefactors, and slashed the amount of money others could donate.

“Some of the people we applied to for £7,000 or £8,000 gave us £700 or £800, because of their own personal crises,” he said.

“But we need £2,500 a month to cover running costs for an office and an administrator – we will close in a matter of months if we don’t get some more money in.”

Now the members themselves have set to work, determined to raise as much money as they can.

Having completed their second bag pack in a local supermarket, they are assembling a list of ideas for future sponsored events.

Meanwhile their parents and the TASC committee are planning to take part in a series of sponsored runs, and approaching prominent businesses in the district for help.

They are also looking at reducing costs, most noticeably by avoiding using their original venue.

TASC used to pay a nominal room rent for access to the old Hexham Priory School, but fees rocketed when it was replaced with a new £6.5million building.

Last year, the charity mainly used the school simply as a pick-up-point – a convenience that resulted in a bill for £3,000 from Northumberland County Council.

Now, with just £16,000 left in the pot and no new sponsors in sight, time is of the essence, said Andrew.

Hexham’s MP Guy Opperman has been swift to offer his support.

“TASC does incredible work, supporting not only children with disabilities, but importantly their parents and carers.

“I would urge anyone who can help with the finical situation to please get in touch.”

n TASC can be contacted on (01434) 600077 or by email at tascadmin@tiscali.co.uk.

Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk