COMMUNITY groups across Essex have won grants to support families.

Essex County Council has made 57 grants from the Family Innovation Fund.

The fund supports families with a high level of need in a bid to prevent a full intervention becoming necessary.

Some projects will run county-wide, while other grants are specific to local areas.

In north Essex organisations with grants include the Colchester and Tendring Women’s Refuge and Home Start groups in Colchester and Harwich.

Dick Madden, county councillor for families and children, said: “I am delighted we have been able to run the Family Innovation Fund for the fourth time.

“The projects this fund supports help deliver change to the lives of families in need of a little extra help.

“I am aware of the good work delivered by previous Family Innovation Fund projects and am confident this year’s funding will deliver outcomes which will improve the lives of children and young people across the county.”