A charity supporting disadvantaged children and young people will expand its services into Basildon after being awarded over £310,000 from the Big Lottery’s Reaching Communities Fund.

Basildon Council’s Community Involvement Team assisted Kids Inspire with its successful funding application.

The grant will enable the charity to launch its Reclaiming Lives project in south Essex.

The project supports young people aged up to 19 who are affected by emerging mental health issues or trauma and often display dangerous behaviours.

Councillor Gavin Callaghan said: “This funding will make a huge difference to the lives of children and young people.”