CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating after a U-turn on plans to slash funding this year for trips and activities for disabled children as well as youth support services.

As previously reported by the Daily Echo, Hampshire County Council bosses had been planning this year to cut almost £2m from the Short Breaks scheme, which provides respite for parents.

Youth support services were also under threat as part of between £800,000 and £1.2million savings.

But following a consultation with users it was decided to step back from making the cuts as part of this year's up-and-coming county council budget.

A one off grant from the council's reserves will now fund youth support services, as well as Short Breaks scheme for disabled children for one year until other funding can be secured.

It comes after parents and carers delivered a petition and made a series of heart felt pleas during council meetings.

They feared that by cutting funding for the trips and activities parents would not receive vital respite.

It was argued that this could place a huge stress on families, leading some to break up - causing further strain on the county's already hard pressed social services.

Mum Gail Bedding, who has a disabled son and is co-chairman at Hampshire Parent Carer Network, (HPCN) said she and other campaigners are delighted.

She said "This proves the power of parents and how we can really make a huge difference to the lives of many families."

Mrs Bedding said HPCN, an independent parent and carer forum, would work with the council to new find new funding for Short Breaks after next year when the one off grant runs out.

She said: "We know our children best, we have the knowledge and experience to help and advise."

A statement from Hampshire County Council said: "Cabinet recognised some proposed savings may not be achievable in the 2015/16 budget year, and would, therefore, require further financial support on a one-off basis for that period.

"This has proven to be the case for proposed changes to the Short Breaks Activities Programme and Youth Support Services.

"The Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services, taking into account the feedback throughout the consultations, does not intend to make any changes to the current form and level of funding for Short Breaks services during the 2015/16 budget year.

"The same applies to the Youth Support Services which will also be maintained, but with some proposed minor changes to the grant process."

Under the original cost cutting plans it was proposed that the current youth support provision be replaced by 23 youth pods, which would have provided centre-based targeted youth work.

They will provide information and advice on issues including sexual health, drugs and alcohol, homelessness, mental health issues and bullying.

But this led to fears that the removal of funding threatened youth services across Hampshire.