Big Lottery Fund cash for support services in Essex

Two projects in Essex are set to benefit from grants totalling more than £400,000 from the Big Lottery Fund.

The Signpost charity in Colchester is receiving £233,336 to expand its employment support services to unemployed and isolated people.

Harlow Stroke and Support Group has been given £178,477 to increase support for stroke patients and their carers.

More than £1m has been given to projects in the east in this round of lottery awards.

Sara Betsworth, from the Big Lottery Fund in the eastern region said: "Today's grant recipients show that the Reaching Communities programme continues to make a real difference to the lives of many disadvantaged people across the East of England."