A YORK-BASED charity which supports children and adults with attention and learning difficulties has secured thousands of pounds of government money.

ADDept, based in The Paddock, Acomb, bases much of its work on supporting people or families affected by Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder.

It also works with people who have a wide range of special needs, such as emotional or behavioural problems, impulsivity, or restlessness.

The group's work includes providing information about the various conditions, giving telephone and one-to-one support, holding regular meetings and organising social activities.

Group co-ordinator Bob Breen said: "This is fantastic news for us. Getting this award will make a real difference to our work.

"There are 5,000 children in York with special needs and we are aiming to reach as many people as possible but, unfortunately, it is often the people at the bottom of the pile who do not get the message that we are here and want to help.

"The money will be a big help in our efforts to get that message across."

The £5,350 award has come from the Local Network Fund, set up by the Home Office.

It was awarded by the Community Foundation, an independent charity established to distribute government money such as the LNF directly to the local community.

Stephen Beyer, director of the Stamford Bridge-based foundation, said: "Any decisions on grants are taken by a panel of local people. It was felt that ADDept focused their work on young people, it is a local group addressing a local need."

Bob Breen added: "The message we most want to get across is that it is OK to be different, but it is not OK to be discriminated against for being different.

"If you think you need some support, or know someone who does, then please get in touch."

Anyone who wants to contact ADDept can do so in confidence by phoning 01904 782556 or writing to 30 The Paddock, Acomb, York, YO26 6AW.

Updated: 08:14 Friday, October 04, 2002