TWO groups working with disadvantaged children and young people across Swindon have been awarded a total of £72,668 in grants from BBC Children in Need.

Swindon Ten to Eighteen Projects (Step) has been given £47,154 to support early intervention services for local young people struggling with mental health issues.

Over the next three years, the grant will help to fund staff to facilitate a 14-week course of therapeutic sessions where young people suffering from such issues as anxiety, poor self-esteem, social isolation, and self-harming, can explore their feelings and develop positive coping strategies.

At the project, young people have an opportunity to meet one-to-one with a specialist who will work to identify their individual needs, and develop a plan to target them.

In addition, they will be provided with a key worker to monitor their progress in order to ensure their continued recovery.

Johanna Bryant, projects director at S.T.E.P, said: “We are so grateful to receive this funding from BBC Children in Need to continue our work with highly vulnerable young people in Swindon.

“In 2015/2016 we worked with more than 200 children and young people, each of whom were facing their own unique and complex struggles to achieving emotional wellbeing.

“We want to respond to as many needs as possible, and with help from this funding we can put the right resources and time in place to make sure we reach as many young people as possible.”

In addition, Parks Volunteer Resource and Retail Outlet, known locally as The Shop, received £25,514 to provide Forest School activities for children aged between five and 11 years old who are living in an area affected by deprivation. The two-year funding will help cover staff who will deliver a programme of fun and educational outdoor activities that boost children’s confidence and broaden their horizons.

Last year, BBC Children in Need celebrated its highest ever fundraising, bringing in a total of £60million for good causes.

Richard King, BBC Children in Need Regional Officer of the South and West said: “We are so pleased to award funding to S.T.E.P. and Parks Volunteer Resource and Retail Outlet, and look forward to seeing the difference that their work will make in the lives of the children who need it most.”