A PROJECT which helps struggling families in Southend has been nominated for a national award.

The Streets Ahead scheme has made it to the shortlist of the Municipal Journal’s Achievement Awards, which will be presented by comedian and TV star Hugh Dennis on Thursday, June 19.

Through the project, households are helped by community workers and volunteers to improve their living standards.

This has included setting up pop-up gyms, clubs for fathers to spend more time with their children and a group for residents from a Roma background to help improve their English language skills.

Carol Compton, head of Southend Council’s youth offending service, said: “Stronger families really do lead to stronger communities.”