A charity has been forced to start charging for its services.

Friends for Leisure has announced it will start charging £5 for its sessions which provide friendship and leisure opportunities for disabled children and young people.

It follows Cheshire East Council's announcement of a 'new and improved' short breaks service.

This service was previously delivered by nine separate providers but from January 2026, will be run solely by Endorphins Group, from January 2026.

Amanda Hunt, general manager at Congleton-based Friends for Leisure, said: "Securing sufficient funding is an issue impacting charities across the UK.

"It has become increasingly competitive with more organisations applying for smaller pools of money.

"However, we want to reassure all the children and families that benefit from our services that we're not going anywhere."

Amanda Hunt was appointed as the charity's general manager earlier this month (Credit: Friends for Leisure)

Friends for Leisure was started by a group of parents in Macclesfield who wanted to provide friendship and leisure opportunities for their disabled children.

Today, the charity is supported by a network of up to 100 volunteers and provides activities during term time and school holidays with the aim of reducing loneliness and improving confidence and independence.

Amanda continued: "Friends for Leisure will continue to offer our programme of activities throughout 2026, although we have taken the difficult decision to charge for our sessions. 

"Charging people to attend is a decision we've not taken lightly but the children are so important to us, and we don't believe there was any other option to continue as an organisation.

"The situation has highlighted why it's so important for local communities to support charities like Friends for Leisure, either by fundraising, donating or simply promoting the work we do.

"If there are any local businesses that want to help support us and our work, please do get in touch because your donations will have a huge impact on children in Cheshire East."

Friends for Leisure turned 30 in 2025 (Credit: Friends for Leisure)

Cheshire East Council currently supports hundreds of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities through community short breaks.

Following engagement with families and a procurement process, the council appointed Endorphins Group as the lead provider to deliver this service across the borough from January 2026.

The council says this new approach will ' streamline services, improve consistency, and ensure that support is tailored to meet individual needs'.

Councillor Laura Crane, chair of Cheshire East Council's children and families committee, said: "Short breaks can range from a few hours to several days, including daytime and evening activities, weekends away, or longer stays.

"These breaks offer disabled children and young people safe, enjoyable opportunities to spend time with friends, try new activities, and build confidence and independence.  

"Our SEND families have told us how much they value the current offer, and now we have an opportunity to build on that. By working with Endorphins Group, we can provide personalised support that helps each young person thrive and reach their full potential." 

Simon Leonard, Endorphins Group managing director, said: "We're absolutely delighted to be bringing our inclusive and popular Energise sessions to Cheshire East and support SEND families. 

"We'll be offering a wide range of activities designed to promote positive health and social outcomes for children and young people, while giving parents and carers valuable respite time."