A REVIEW of services provided for disabled children and young people was kick-started with a day-long conference at Ewood Park.

The event, called Families and Services Growing Together, brought together the providers of help and the families of the children who need it.

And the aim was to improve the quality of life of children and young people with disabilities of all kinds.

Councillor Sue Reid, executive member for social services of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council said the conference gave young disabled people, their families and carers the chance to get together and discuss ways of improving services with the organisations that provide them.

"We have had a fantastic response to this event which provided families with the opportunity to make their views known and make a positive contribution to improving services," said Councillor Reid.

Main speaker at the event was Phillipa Russell, director of the Council for Disabled Children.

Other agencies invited included East Lancashire Health Authority, East Lancashire Deaf Society, Blackburn and Darwen Society for the Blind, Communicare, the Variety Club, Homestart and the Gateway Club.

Organised by Blackburn with Darwen Social Services Department, the conference is intended to lead to a review of services for disabled children and young people and their families, to look at current arrangements and see how they can be improved. WORKING TOGETHER: Denise Smolinski, whose son Matthew has severe learning difficulties, talks with Coun Sue Reid at the 'Families Together' day at Ewood Park