A WINCHESTER charity has been awarded more than £5,000 by BBC Children in Need.

Home-Start Winchester and Districts was given the grant of £5,300 to help run support groups for families with young children dealing with isolation, low self-esteem, poor parenting skills or mental health problems.

The support sessions help to improve the children’s social skills, prepare them for nursery and primary school and strengthen relationships in the family.

Speaking of the new funding, Martin Tomsett trustee at the charity, said: “The funding that we’ve received from BBC Children in Need over the past nine years has made a considerable difference to families in our area, so we’re delighted to hear that this funding will continue.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you on behalf of the trustees to all of the people that have made this possible.”

Since 2007 the project has had funding from Children in Need and in that time has received more than £35,000, making a difference to the lives of many children in the area.

Pam Bacon, Children in Need regional officer of the south and west, said: “Children in Need funds organisations supporting disadvantaged children and young people across the UK, and we are pleased to include these in Hampshire within this.

“Through their application, the organisations demonstrated the tangible impact that their activities can have on those that need it and we look forward to seeing their work in action.

“Competition for funds is tough, but we are always keen to hear from projects making a difference to young lives and our small grants – which include anything up to £10,000 over the course of one year – are a great way to support new or existing projects looking to do just that.”

BBC Children in Need funds 49 projects in Hampshire with more than £1.7million benefitting young lives in the county. The charity awards grants at seven points during the year, with more funding to be pledged to projects working with disadvantaged children and young people throughout 2016.

Projects like this can apply for funding at bbc.co.uk/pudsey/grants.