Cash boost to give families bright future

Families in Midlothian are set to benefit from nearly £900,000 of funding from the Big Lottery Fund’s Improving Futures programme.

Three hundred families across the county, including foster carers, kinship carers and siblings with caring responsibilities, are to benefit from an award of £899,081 to Midlothian Sure Start.

The charity aims to give very young children the best possible start in life.

In partnership with a range of voluntary groups, Midlothian Community Health Partnership and Midlothian Council, the project will work with families before they reach crisis point to reduce the likelihood of involving child protection agencies.

The project will focus on reaching out to disabled children and those whose families are affected by unemployment and substance misuse.

Chairwoman Sheila Thacker said: “We are thrilled to receive this grant.”