VULNERABLE people living in north Worcestershire have been given a helping hand from the Big Lottery Fund.

Home-Start Wyre Forest received £249,787 for a Home-Start Plus project to provide a befriending service to support vulnerable families living in the Wyre Forest, Worcestershire.

The project will offer emotional support, friendship and practical help to local families who are finding it hard to cope with bringing up a family.

A team of home visiting parent volunteers will be recruited, with 20 recruited in each project year, who can offer emotional and practical help to local families.