To mark the start of the Valley's Signpost service, co-ordinator Bridget Parkinson held a special event.

Families, professionals and voluntary organisations who attended were able to meet Bridget and experience the sensory equipment and specialist trike she has bought with a grant from the Local Network Fund.

She is continuing to apply for further funds for more equipment and holiday play schemes, as well as parental training around additional needs and disabilities.

During a speech at the launch she said: "One aim is to make information timely, accessible, and accurate. We hope to work with all other agencies for families to access services with ease. We also hope to facilitate communication between service providers and service users.

"We are fortunate that as I am a volunteer parent representative for Contact a Family, we have the support and backing of this UK national charity. Contact a Family have a dedicated helpline, information on a wide range of issues and a huge variety of publications. Contact a Family also supports local groups and work with parents and carers on local consultation issues; they provide a linking service for other families."

Speaking about ther long term aims she said: "These concepts would be long term commitments which would involve a multi disciplinary approach from all types of service providers. The Signpost service hopes to facilitate the communication and dialogue that is essential for improvements and developments such as these."

The Signpost service can be contacted on 01200 423672 or by email on bparkinson@ribblesdale-nur.lancs.sch.uk.