SINGLE people at risk of becoming homeless including former prisoners will now get extra support thanks to a grant of nearly quarter of a million pounds.

Funding of more than £242,968 has been awarded to Worcestershire to boost work supporting single people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

The first payment of £91,113 is for 2014-15 with the second payment of £151,855 expected in 2015-16.

The money will be used by Bromsgrove District Council and Redditch Council, as well as Worcester City Council, Malvern Hills, Wychavon and Wyre Forest district councils, from the new £8 million Help for Single Homeless Fund.

Single people at risk of becoming homeless are often particularly vulnerable, and some of this funding will specifically help individuals who are on the verge of being released from prison or being discharged from hospital and are at risk of becoming homeless.

Extra officers will be taken on to work with single homeless people in partnership with other local organisations that can support them, including local Clinical Commissioning Groups.