West Sussex Theraplay Could Close
Parents of children with special needs in Sussex have raised concerns that a support service could be closed down.
West Sussex County Council is reviewing “Theraplay”, a service which provides physiotherapy and speech and language therapy for children in the Chichester area.
Jason Bennett, whose son Max has autism, said the service was “priceless”.
The county council said “no decision” had been made about its future.
Mr Bennett said his son struggles with speaking and it would be “heartbreaking” if the service goes.
“It’s a long struggle for him to actually learn words, but Theraplay has been priceless,” he said.
‘Heartbreaking’
“The reason West Sussex County Council have given us is that it’s not because of funding or a cost exercise, it’s purely because the Theraplay centre is not available to others in West Sussex.
“It’s quite heartbreaking because you see children on a wide spectrum of disabilities and it’s great for them and the parents.”
A spokeswoman for the council said it would be meeting parents to discuss the future of the service later this month.
She said: “We are currently reviewing the way we provide services and support for young disabled children and their families across the county.
“No decision has been made yet regarding Theraplay, which provides sessions for children and parents, whilst attending therapy appointments.”
Same Difference 