A REDDITCH charity has been handed a life-line enabling it to continue to provide vital assistance to people in to the town.

Carers Careline aims to provide health, mental and emotional support to unpaid carers in the Redditch area.

In recent months, the charity, based at the Ecumenical Centre, was facing the devastating prospect of having to close after almost 30 years of service due to funding cuts.

However, the charity has now been awarded a grant of £165,760 for the next three years from The Big Lottery.

Chief officer Fiona Mitchell welcomed the money and said the charity is very excited about carrying on its work.

She said: "The support we have received from The Big Lottery acknowledges the vital contribution made by carers and recognises their need for support.

"Although other fund-raising activities remain essential, the grant makes a significant contribution to securing the future of our services for the next three years."

It is hoped the cash will help provide unpaid carers with access to advice, information, peer support and training, with opportunities to access specialist advice on issues and conditions.

Group meetings and trips will give carers the chance to enjoy time together, make new friends and share their experiences.

Counselling sessions will also be available to people coping with bereavements.

James Harcourt, from the Big Lottery Fund said: “We are proud to give National Lottery money to local projects that make a difference in their communities.

"When you hear about projects like these you realise the incredible impact the money generated by National Lottery players has had on communities across England. It really is life changing.”

For more information or to support Carers Careline, call on 01527 66177 or email info@carerscareline.co.uk.