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 Author | Topic: West Sussex jobs cut to save a children's centre (Read 376 times) |
fizzle
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« Thread Started on Jul 13, 2009, 7:18am » | |
The Camelia Botnar Centre in Worthing is facing closure after its funding it to cease at the end of the year. The centre cares for children with mental and physical disabilities. Unfortunately they could not secure a grant from the government or the lottery. When I read that 8-9K goes on salaries in a week I can really understand why they have fears of closure! Around half of the staff are going to lose their West Sussex jobs in order to lower this figure and attempt to save the centre.
What a sad story! In a time of doom and gloom we really cannot forget the most vulnerable. I do not know who they can turn to for help as they really need ongoing funding, not a one off fund raising event. Could the council afford to partially fund it? I do not know how much money councils in this area get and whether it is a realistic question. Sadly I do not think it is a high enough priority for the government.
I know that the lottery must have a lot of applications to shift through. I do wonder how they make their decisions sometimes! Do you know what projects the lottery have funded in the past? Do they only fund certain projects or pretty much anything for the community? Hopefully they will reconsider this though!
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nikki
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« Reply #1 on Jul 14, 2009, 8:54am » | |
I cannot believe that its awful isn't it? I mean if the Centre did close down what would fill the void? What would happen to all those children? Its awful!
I have heard of the lottery giving funding to repair listed buildings and stuff - well surely people are more important that that kind of thing? Don't you think? I mean I know they have a lot of applications but still!
Have they tried to go for any outside help? Ask any companies or rich people to sponsor them or anything similar to that?
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fizzle
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« Reply #2 on Jul 15, 2009, 7:28am » | |
It is a worrying thought isn't it Nikki. The centre is really one of a kind from what I read. If they keep downsizing an cutting back on staff then they may have to turn down dependent families. Though this is such a good cause I hope someone will take them under their wing. You would think that some buildings could take a backseat for a while. Maybe the lottery will review it. the charity centre has been open for 30 years so it really cannot shut down now!
I think they have written to lots of charitable trusts but they apparently won't fund running costs. Writing to a big company or reliable sponsors may be something to consider. Do you think they could get some funding from the government? Surely this could come under education? Does the government ever fund things like this?
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nikki
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« Reply #3 on Jul 15, 2009, 8:44am » | |
Yes it is very worrying! Surely something like this also takes pressure of the NHS and schools with the specialist treatment they would otherwise need to give these children so that then they are effectively easing the tension on some people?
Lets hope something comes up aye? Have they appealed to the lottery?
Who has been helping them all this time? Where have they been getting the funding thwey have needed?
As for the government! You never can tell what they will or won't do can you really? They are a funny bunch aren't they?
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fizzle
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« Reply #4 on Jul 16, 2009, 4:35am » | |
They were funded by the Camelia Botnar Foundation for the whole time. I guess everyone has been cutting back and this charity just hasn't received enough donations. I have never seen this charity advertised though, so they cannot be spending a lot of money on advertisments. Have you ever heard of the charity before?
You are right about the government though - they seem to fund some things and not others. I personally don't understand their rationalisation. I hope they don't only focus on money making businesses though. You cannot forget the people!
We had a few autistic children at my school and we had a special department for them. They could learn away from the mainstream class with subjects they struggled with. The department was very small but was very useful.
Do other schools have special departments? Do you think schools could budget and make special lessons for those who need a little more help?
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nikki
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« Reply #5 on Jul 17, 2009, 8:33am » | |
I have never heard of them if I am honest with you fizzle! Maybe it is a small charity local to the area? I wonder how they raise thier money then? It does seem a bit odd doesn't it? Maybe someone to take the job of trying to help them raise some cash? A bit of charity never went amiss right?
In the area that I went to school there was aspecial needs school where most kids with any sort of problem/disability went, buyt that was years ago (ahem)! Nowadays most schools do seem to cater for those with learning difficulties! But obviously it isn't the same as the specialist centre's though is it/ As the people that work in these places have full training and can give these kids the best start in life!
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fizzle
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« Reply #6 on Jul 20, 2009, 7:02am » | |
Yeah perhaps it is just local  I don't know whether parents have to pay fees or not. I am sure they wouldn't mind chipping in a little as I hear that the quality is fantastic!
I think most modern big schools can facilitate a few with problems. I know that there are usually ramps and elevators for those who are physically disabled. Mine had a special centre for those with behavioural problems.
Do you think teachers are trained beforehand and prepared for those who may have learning difficulties? Or do you think that is a bit more specialist?
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nikki
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« Reply #7 on Jul 20, 2009, 10:49am » | |
Maybe they should do that then and see what the parents can do to help them? It does seem to be a shame to let it go to waste like that doesnt it?
I think you have specialist teachers who train especialiy for learning difficulties children! What do you think?
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fizzle
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« Reply #8 on Jul 21, 2009, 6:21am » | |
I think you are right - I think you have to do extra training to become specialist. Though these days a lot of teachers have to put up with misbehaving pupils - especially in secondary schools. I wouldn't be suprised if those job vacancies stay unfilled!
I don't think I could go down the education line. Mouthy kids would drive me around the bend!!
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nikki
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« Reply #9 on Jul 22, 2009, 9:24am » | |
Hah yes I feel that! It takes a special sort of person to be able to deal with mouthy kids and keep calm! Especially with the way in which they all behave these days! Who can take it?
Not me thats for sure!
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