A Leamington-based charity has been awarded over £400,000, to help it continue providing essential support for people experiencing homelessness, poverty and hardship across the community.

Helping Hands Community Project was awarded £405,000 over five years from The National Lottery Community Fund.

The funds will contribute towards the core running costs of the charity's frontline services, including its Soup Kitchen, Breakfast Club, and support groups for men and women facing a range of challenges.

With demand for its services continuing to grow and the cost of running them increasing, this investment will help ensure Helping Hands can keep its doors open and continue supporting those who need the service most.

Jo Merrick, Client Services Manager at Helping Hands, said: "We're delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work in this way. This funding will help us keep our doors open and continue supporting people in our community who are facing incredibly difficult circumstances.

"It will help us to provide nearly 12,000 nutritious meals over the next year, alongside vital life skills training, mental health support, and dedicated advocacy to help individuals secure stable accommodation."

The funding will enable Helping Hands to continue offering practical support while helping people rebuild confidence, develop new skills and work towards a more stable future.

One person who has received support from Helping Hands shared: "At Helping Hands, I've found real friendships and a renewed sense of purpose. The support I've received has helped me emotionally, physically and spiritually. My life feels brighter now, and I'm looking forward to a happier future. I'm so grateful to the staff and volunteers for their kindness and for never judging me."

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The team added: "We're incredibly grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund and to National Lottery players, whose support makes funding like this possible. Their investment will help us continue making a real difference to the lives of people across our community for years to come."