A PROJECT to support prisoners at HMP Hewell and their families has been awarded £446,296 in the latest round of Big Lottery funding.

The money will enable Worcestershire YMCA to continue its Hewell Rainbow Project, offering parenting courses, family days, baby bonding sessions and workshops to build a supportive environment ready for when prisoners are released.

For the first time, the project will now offer schools and nurseries the chance to learn skills to identify and support children affected by imprisonment.

Nichola Harris, children and families manager, HMP Hewell said: “The Big Lottery funding will allow the YMCA’s Children and Families Team to provide much needed support to offenders and the often forgotten victims of crime, their children and families. This is an exciting opportunity to improve the quality of life for offenders and their families.”

Autistic Support Group Your Ideas has also been awarded a share of the National Lottery's £3million for its project Joining It Up.

The £10,000 donation will go towards a support service for autistic youngsters and their parents or carers. Participants will receive advice and guidance on issues impacting their mental wellbeing and quality of life.