A charity which provides a vital lifeline for the elderly and housebound is branching out - thanks to a £40,000 windfall.

The cash means that Family Support Clacton will now be able to take its services into the rural areas of Tendring.

The money has been provided by the Lloyds TSB Foundation, the East of England Development Agency and Millennium Awards for All.

Faye Cooper, organiser, said it was a real milestone for the group which has been operating for 18 years.

"It is a welcome boost and will help us to extend into the rural areas for the next two years at least," she said. "It may seem a large amount of money but it is already spoken for and we still struggle to make ends meet year by year."

She said that the charity will now be able to go out to clients in Jaywick, West Clacton, Little Clacton, St Osyth, Point Clear, Thorpe and Weeley.

"We know there are many people in the rural areas who are socially isolated, housebound or disabled and we aim to support them with our services," added Mrs Cooper.

The cash has also allowed Family Support to appoint a client liaison officer, Anita McCormick, to head up development of the new rural areas.

Among its services are a day centre, which has been funded by a lottery grant, a befriending service for carers and individuals, social outings and fish and chips meals.

Mrs Cooper said they try to pick up social needs which cannot be met by Essex Social Services through lack of resources.

Family Support currently has 104 volunteers on its books but it needs more - especially for the rural scheme.

These include home visitors, escorts, drivers, and day care helpers.

Anyone who can spare some time or wants more information should contact the group on 01255 432132.

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