Basildon charity for children and young adults with complex needs joins national association, and calls on the government for more funding
Brighter Opportunities for Special People has joined an association with other respite providers to use a stronger voice to influence policy in parliament
A charity for children and young adults with complex needs in Basildon says they need more money from the government, as their over four year waiting list is "not acceptable".
Brighter Opportunities for Special People (BOSP) has joined an association alongside other respite providers to make their voice heard by the government.
The charity has operated for 35 years out of hired, and sometimes inaccessible buildings, and says there needs to be "significant change."
Jodie Connelly, Chief Exec of BOSP, says they save the government ÂŁ23 million, and hopes to receive some funding to help the charity.
She said the new association will try to give a voice to small organisations and families that often don't have a voice.
"The charities are so busy doing the doing, and the families are so busy doing the caring that actually no one is speaking up for the children with complex disabilities.
"We are a small organisation here in Basildon, and nobody's listening to us. We need more funding and more inclusive, accessible premises.
"We want government locally and nationally to realise the difference we are making. We support over 100 children. If all the families went into crisis, if BOSP wasn't around, then those children went into residential care, it would likely cost the government ÂŁ24 million.
"We as an organisation only cost ÂŁ650,000 to run. So we're saving the government, NHS, whatever you like over ÂŁ23 million a year.
"We've got a four to five year waiting list for our services. That is not acceptable.
"We've got 50% more children with complex needs than we did 10 years ago, but those figures aren't being reflected in the support services out there for families.
"We are doing great stuff, but we need that support if we're going to grow or get those lists off.
"There's always been children with with disabilities, but we're seeing a greater influx of children with more profound needs."
BOSP runs 12 different support and respite services, including toddler groups and sensory rooms.
They run events for children, like climbing walls, animal therapy, adventure trails, and treasure hunts.
Their services, and more information, is available on their website.
The government have been contacted for a response.