Five months to save playgroup

10:16am Friday 24th October 2003

A playgroup used by 150 children with special needs is so short of money it may have to close, leaving families struggling to cope.

The Croydon Opportunity Pre-school Group (COPG) needs to raise £67,000 by the end of March to survive.

Angelene Rackett, COPG chairman, claims closure would be devastating to the children and their families who use the facility and it could result in some youngsters being put into foster care.

She said: "If the group had to close there would be nowhere for these children to go. We have many children in foster care and many on the 'at risk' register. The strain that having a special needs child puts on a family cannot be underestimated.

"Without COPG many more families may find they cannot cope and more children may end up in foster care, at considerable cost."

The COPG is a voluntary organisation which meets regularly in South Norwood and Selsdon. It costs around £175,000 a year to run.

It is partly funded by a large grant from Croydon Council but is heavily dependent on donations and fundraising to reach the balance.

Angelene added: "We have no options than to try and raise the money. If we cut staff, we would have to turn children away - and still raise money."

Two-year-old Daniel Edwards attends the playgroup three times a week with his mum Monique.

Daniel, who was featured in the Croydon Guardian in September, has Tay Sachs Disease, a rare genetic disorder which gradually destroys the brain's functions.

He is blind, but can still hear and the group offers him stimulation and much-needed respite and support for his 19-year-old mother.

Monique said: "Daniel gets the stimulation I am not always able to provide.

“He loves to be with other children and hear their laughter. The group also has a bigger range of toys than we've got at home.

"I get a break as well. I get to see how Daniel responds in a different atmosphere and I get to talk to other parents.

“If the group closes we wouldn't be able to attend mainstream playgroup. Daniel would not get as much stimulation and I would not be able to talk and share things as much as I can now."

COPG has been running playgroups in the Croydon area for 28 years.

The service plays a vital role in the care of children with development, physical or medical needs between the ages of three months and five years. For many children it is the only opportunity they have of attending a playgroup.

COPG organises fundraising events throughout the year and is now selling tickets for its grand lottery/raffle.

Other events include a Christmas fair at All Saints' Church, Sanderstead, on November 8 and a fundraising weekend at The Shirley Inn, Wickham Road, from October 31-November 2.

The Body Shop in the Whitgift Centre plans to hold a makeover session and donate proceeds to the group and the Orca Diving Club, Portland Road, has just donated £700.

If you can contribute to the COPG fundraising effort and help save this vital community facility, contact the newsroom on 020 8645 8824.

For more information about the playgroup log onto www.copg.org.