Family Action children's project in £890k lottery boost

More than £890,000 is to be given to an Essex project supporting children growing up in troubled families.

The Stronger Families, Future Communities project in Southend, run by the charity Family Action, has received the money from the Big Lottery Fund.

About 700 families in the borough will receive help to deal with problems such as low income, debt, housing and challenging behaviour.

It will involve services from both voluntary and public organisations.

The families will also be helped to find employment and take part in volunteering and training schemes.

A number of children's activities, such as drama and hobby clubs, will also be run.

'Real difference'

Among the bodies involved in the project are Southend Citizens' Advice Bureau, Southend Borough Council, Youth at Risk and the Family Matters Institute.

Sara Betsworth, of the Big Lottery Fund, said: "Too many families in difficult circumstances still don't know who to turn to for help.

"By mobilising all those who can help at a local level in a co-ordinated way, Family Action will explore new ways of improving the lives of some of the most vulnerable children in Southend."

Family Action chief executive Helen Dent said she was "grateful for the opportunity to make a real difference improving children's futures".