BUSINESSES have teamed up to support families of children with cerebral palsy.

Moore Blatch and Frenkel Topping have funded a new support service called the Pathway Project to work with families using Fareham’s Rainbow Centre.

They have recruited a family support worker so that parents have a dedicated person to support their wider needs, including helping them access funding and services outside of the centre.

The idea came from Philip Lea, who works at Moore Blatch, as a result of his experience as a parent needing help and support after his child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

Mr Lea, a senior solicitor, said that when a child is diagnosed it can be daunting for parents who may not know what to do next.

He worked with other staff at Moore Blatch and Frenkel Topping to recruit someone for the role.

Paula Barnes, Moore Blatch partner, said: “As a firm we are already huge supporters of The Rainbow Centre and frequently come into contact with families that have a range of needs following their child’s diagnosis. In our experience many will struggle to access the support they require due to a lack of time or knowledge, as well as an incredible amount of bureaucracy, which can often mean that the care they receive externally in the wider community is fragmented or inadequate.

“This new role will alleviate parents of the need to do this hard work at an already difficult time.”

Centre director Lara Bull said the centre could not have employed someone for this key role without the companies’ help.