VULNERABLE children in care in East Lancashire are to get life-changing support thanks to £450,000 in new funding.

The Children’s Society has secured the cash from the Department for Education to roll out Care To Be Different, a new year-long programme for 16-25-year-olds, in four parts of the country, including the Lancashire County Council area.

It will help 450 young people in care, care leavers and children who have run away from care, and give them more of a say in the issues affecting their lives.

Rob Jackson, north west area director for The Children's Society, said: "For many children and young people in care and who are leaving care, the future can seem bleak and uncertain as they struggle with real challenges around their education, health and emotional well-being.

"We are really pleased to have been given the funding to run Care To Be Different because it enables us to offer the one-to-one support needed to rise to these challenges and help to prevent potential problems.

"If we can do that, we can make a positive difference to young people's lives and equip them with the skills and confidence they need to survive and thrive outside the care system."

From the start of July Care To Be Different will offer one-to-one support for the young people with the most complex needs, for instance around issues like substance misuse and sexual exploitation.

Other young people will receive coaching and mentoring designed to help them with advice around engaging in education, relationships, lifestyle issues and leaving care.

Joanna Hunt, programme manager for The Children's Society in Lancashire, said: "Young people’s needs and hopes will be at the heart of Care To Be Different.

"I’m confident that this, together with our early intervention and intensive support, will really help to boost their confidence, resilience and communication skills.

"We want to give them the support they need to bring about changes themselves and eventually build successful lives outside the care system."

Care To Be Different will create 10.5 full time equivalent posts and there will also be volunteering opportunities.

The £450,000 grant is part of a £25m funding boost for children’s services across the country.