A CHILDREN'S centre has received a welcome cash injection to expand its services for children with disabilities, or who are facing neglect, abuse or poverty.

The Fed's children's centre, based in Eventhall House, at Heathlands Village, Prestwich, has been handed £107,000 from BBC Children in Need.

Lucy Edwards, The Fed’s Trusts, Foundations and Bids Fundraiser, said: “Our children’s centre is constantly expanding its services – last year we supported 339 children, a figure which is always increasing.

“As the children who we support get older, they encounter new challenges. Their needs increase hence our own need for continued support. BBC Children in Need's ongoing support for The Fed constitutes a real expression of trust in the work we are doing."

It is intended that the grant will be utilised over a three year period to fund a new play leader who will coordinate the centre's activities, including the weekly mums and tots group, and also a new support worker to help deliver support for vulnerable children.

The grant will also help launch two weekly out-of-school sessions and a number of holiday playschemes to help children develop positive relationships and improve their emotional wellbeing.

The Fed will also have to undertake additional fundraising for its staff, the running costs of the children's centre and its activities.

Raphi Bloom, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at The Fed, expressed thanks for the recognition of their services.

“We are delighted that The Fed have received such a generous grant from Children in Need,” he said.

“As demand for our services grow, we are constantly seeking ways to raise more money from a diverse range of sources and we are thankful to Children in Need for recognising the value of our work.

Children in Need’s regional head, Elizabeth Myers, said the charity was looking forward to seeing the work that The Fed would carry out in the future.

“It’s always a great privilege to award new funding to projects doing fantastic work in their communities,” she said.

“We look forward to seeing the positive impact that the Federation of Jewish Services will have on the children and young people that they support over the coming years.”