Vulnerable children and those with special needs now have a safe play haven at a new Manchester Jewish children's centre.

The Federation of Jewish Services has converted an old storeroom at its new Heathlands base into a large open-plan play centre with landscaped gardens, assisted by a £70,000 Jewish Child's Day grant. The funding will help keep the facility running for three years and it is expected to cater for 100 children a week. And part of the £10,000 capital costs were covered by a bequest by London couple Betty and Daniel Allen, who did not have children together.

Completed in December, it this week ran a play scheme for large numbers of children. It is hoped its existence will provide respite for parents of children with disabilities. It will also be open to children who have suffered abuse, or from broken homes, who need a break.

FJS said much of the funding has been spent on specialised toys and music equipment to stimulate children with special needs. Manchester's largest welfare charity sought advice from a child psychologist and occupational therapist in planning the centre. Centre manager Carol Moffatt said: "We can take children for two to 10 hours a week. It gives parents the chance to do other things or care for their other children. If they have a demanding special needs child, just a trip to the shoe shop can be a major chore."

FJS chief executive Karen Phillips said there was concern the centre could be impacted by funding cuts and she was currently in discussions with local authorities to secure its future.

Last Friday, Jewish Child's Day chief executive Daniel Burger visited the centre with Simon and Susan Shaw from London, who had arranged the legacy from Mrs Allen, among other donations.