A CHARITY who run several children’s centres throughout Essex has closed due to funding pressures.

4Children ran several Sure Start Children’s Centres in the Halstead, Braintree and Maldon areas and the charity also worked with the government to develop policy on the lives of children, young people and families.

After negotiations involving Essex County Council, all of the charity’s services in Essex will be transferred over to Action for Children, saving 70 jobs in the county.

Dick Madden, Essex County Council’s cabinet member responsible for children and adults, said: “Having been made aware of the imminent closure of 4Children, we have acted quickly to minimise disruption to service users in Essex and ensure children and families continue to be fully supported.

“We will strive to ensure the transition to the new provider is as smooth as possible and people can continue to access these important services.

“We appreciate the commitment and hard work 4Children staff have shown in running services in Essex, and are pleased all staff in the county will have the opportunity to be part of our future plans.”

The council is currently in the process of contacting the families and partners to notify them about the change in provider.

More than 1,000 people are employed by the charity across the uk, with around 85 expected to lose their jobs.

Imelda Redmond CBE, chief executive of 4Children, said: “The decision to merge many of our services with Action for Children has been made in the long term interest of children and families.

“Recent changes in our contract portfolio and broader funding pressures have led trustees to pursue this managed transfer, which will strengthen the position of frontline services to withstand these pressures while continuing to deliver high quality support."

Sir Tony Hawkhead, chief executive of Action for Children, said: “The operating environment for charities is increasingly challenging.

“The overriding aim of our discussions is to maintain the best possible services for the children and families we support.

“Greater collaboration within the sector is something many charities are investigating and this announcement supports that approach.

“I look forward to welcoming 4Children families and the members of staff who support them across the UK.”

Anyone with queries about affected children’s centres, nurseries or afterschool clubs is encouraged to email ey.comms@essex.gov.uk.