After an 'unsuccessful funding' appeal to Stormont, the Creggan-based Family Information Group group is now making a last ditch financial appeal to the WHSSB and WHSCT to try to secure its future.

Group spokesman Brendan McKeever met earlier this week with the DHSSPS at Stormont and he says that, despite a wide ranging discussion of the issues and the impact the closure of the group would have on the families who use it, any hopes that the DHSSPS could come up with a rescue package were "dashed."

Mr. McKeever says the DHSSPS's inability to help the Creggan group leaves it in "a precarious position".

"With others, we have worked for years to bring family issues to the fore, trying to raise the profile of families of disabled children. We have been supported by parents, by voluntary and community groups, by individuals working in statutory agencies and by politicians - but not by DHSSPS. Now in one final attempt to secure the necessary funds, the Group is calling on WHSSB and WHSCT to review funding arrangements for the new financial year."

Urging support from the community, Mr. McKeever says the Group is not asking for favours, simply a "recognition of its value and worth, after more than ten years in existence."