A CASH strapped Trafford based charity which supports youngsters with disabilities has beaten the odds to reach its 10th birthday.

The Special Educational Needs Families Support Group has survived numerous closure threats to help around 1,000 families over the past decade.

Marsha White, who runs the service, says the organisation was set up by a group of parents who felt their children's educational needs weren't being properly met.

Marsha recalls the sense of isolation felt by the founders of SEN and the group set up a drop in centre where parents can receive a 'listening ear and moral support'

"The young people themselves often need a listening ear because they often feel caught in the middle, between the school, the education authority and the family. Often they don't have a voice," she adds.

The charity is there to help children in both mainstream and special education and has a team of specially trained volunteers who tell parents how to obtain the services, learning aids or building adaptations their youngsters need.

Marsha says the organisation is there to 'empower' parents by giving them the knowledge they need to improve their child's performance at school.

But learning hasn't been confined to the parents of children with special educational needs.

"When we first set up the organisation we were quite naive. We didn't know a lot about legislation and all the other problems families face when they have a child with a difficulty," says Marsha.

She sees the group's greatest achievement as managing to keep going in the face of financial constraints.

They plan to celebrate their 10th birthday with a range of events, from open days to children's family fun days.

For more information on the extensive range of services provided by the Special Educational Needs Families Support Group call 755 3482 or 07990 59 4060. The group only serves the Trafford area.