Fresh concerns over lack of support for SEN children in North Yorkshire
It's as a charity announces it'll close at Christmas
There are fresh concerns about the support available for families of children with special education needs in North Yorkshire.
It is after Whitby Interactive announced it will close at Christmas because of funding problems.
It provides weekend and holiday activities for young people with disabilities and additional needs.
Local MP Alison Hume said: 'I'm really hopeful that a white knight or somebody listening to your station with deep pockets will come to the rescue of Whitby Interactive because it's a completely unique charity."
"It's been run by the same 2 ladies for years and years. Since 1998, they are completely dedicated, as is their team of highly trained, specialised carers to giving children and young people with special needs and disabilities, the same opportunities as their peers and giving their families a break.
"I know how hard it is, there is no time when you're looking after a child or a young person with complex needs just to have one day off a month or a weekend when your child's going on a residential just so you can have time with your other children, or just time for your self and your own mental health."
"I think we really do need to see it in the context of the situation in Whitby, we don't have a special school in Whitby. There's one in Kirby Moorside and a couple in Scarborough and then further away you have to go to Cleveland and this is an issue and therefore there are a lot of children who aren't in school, whose needs aren't being met in school and children and young people who have been failed by the system and for them, Whitby Interactive has been the only constant in their lives."
"There are children who started at 5 and are still there at 25. You know, this is an essential service and it would be absolutely wonderful if somebody or some people could donate the money to keep it open, because without that money it will close its doors at Christmas."