THE Together Trust and council have launched a new pilot project called Sleep Tight Trafford to help give children living in the borough a good night’s sleep.

The pilot will run in Trafford until June 2017 and will feature a range of community drop-in sessions for families promoting the importance of sleep.

The first event will take place at the Trafford Centre on October 1, where people can speak to sleep professionals for help and advice.

A series of workshops will also be organised, which aim to improve sleep patterns in children and young people up to the age of 18 affected by autism, behavioural and emotional problems and general sleep disorders or learning difficulties and complex needs to help get the sleep they need.

The Together Trust will also be investing in training up local Trafford health professionals such as health visitors and school nurses enabling them to provide timely sleep advice and support to families that they work with.

Chris Hoyle, ASC Sleep Clinic Coordinator at the Together Trust, said: “Sleep problems are very common in children especially those with autism. For many families their child’s sleep problems can last for years and they can have a devastating impact on the whole family.

“Each family has its own needs and this project aims to identify these and help parents ensure their children sleep easier in order for them to reach their full potential.”

Cllr Alex Williams, Trafford Council’s Deputy Leader, said: “Trafford Council fully supports these sessions as one of its key values is ensuring the health of its residents. I hope everyone with children takes the opportunity to visit these sessions and listens to the information on offer.”

Dr Rashad Nawaz, consultant paediatrician from Trafford CYPS, said: “The Sleep Tight Pilot is an exciting collaborative project that aims to promote the importance of sleep in children to all professionals and families as a key part of investing in children’s long term health and development."

Making sure your child has the right amount of sleep is important to their learning, advice includes being active in the day, preparing the bedroom for a peaceful night’s sleep, having a good bedtime routine without gadgets, blocking out light and getting the right amount of sleep.