Hartlepool charity Headland Future gets £460,000 lottery grant

A project to support families in Hartlepool affected by separation has been boosted by a £460,778 grant from the Big Lottery Fund (BLF).

The funding, to Headland Future, will offer families expert financial and counselling support.

The charity estimates at least 400 parents and children will benefit from the additional funding.

The grant followed a pilot scheme in the town last year, which offered help to more than 100 families.

Graham Alton, Headland Future chief executive, said: "We know that parents are often the best people to support each other, so this project will train parents to help other families in similar situations.

"It's a really exciting opportunity for community members to take the lead in supporting each other."

James Turner, Big Lottery Fund head of region for the North East, said: "Family breakdown is not only upsetting and distressing, but it can have long-term effects on things like finances and how well children develop.

"This award will help develop a project that has already demonstrated success."