A CHARITY which helps families of special needs children faces closure within weeks unless it can raise £30,000.

Stockton Parent Support helps hundreds of families across Teesside but urgently needs short-term funding.

Since Stockton Borough Council pulled its main £50,000 pot of funding last year the charity has survived on reserves but now its coffers are empty.

The charity's manager Amanda Vince hoped to rebid for council cash this year but Stockton council announced it was renewing last year's contracts and for the first time was not inviting new bids.

She has now launched an urgent fundraising appeal and is hoping to find generous business and individual donors to keep the charity going.

SPS runs activities and other services for people aged up to 25 with special needs.

Last year it helped more families than ever before despite the funding cuts.

Lynda Brown, head of education, early years and complex needs at Stockton Council, said: “We are sorry to hear that Stockton Parent Support are struggling financially.

“We understand that it’s a difficult time for many voluntary and community organisations and we’ll continue to work with them to see if we can provide further assistance.”

Anyone wanting to help can contact the charity, also known as Teesside Parent Support, on 01642-555514 or visit www.stocktonps.org Ends