A TROWBRIDGE refuge working young victims of domestic violence has been given a much-needed financial boost by BBC Children in Need.

The £64,026 grant will fund a child worker at West Wiltshire Women’s Refuge, run by Advance, over the next three years to support vulnerable children during difficult times in their lives.

The worker will carry out assessments for each child going into the refuge, in order to identify their individual medical, educational and developmental needs.

Once the child has been assessed, they will receive a support plan to help raise their aspirations and help them recover from traumatic experiences.

Through the project, children will benefit from support that rebuilds their self-confidence and their ability to form trusting relationships in the hope of making a smooth transition from the refuge to safe accommodation.

Leyanne Symms, team leader at the project, said: “We are so grateful for this award from BBC Children in Need, as it will allow us to continue providing the time and resources to help some of the most vulnerable members of our society through very tough times.

“Through our work, we aim to help children and young people heal, rebuilding their self-esteem and improving their ability to form meaningful relationships.

“It is thanks to this funding that we can reach and improve even more young lives.”

BBC Children in Need now funds 15 projects across Wiltshire with over £658,000 who work to benefit the lives of young people.

During their 2015 appeal, Children in Need raised £55m – the culminated efforts of fundraisers across the UK who baked, walked, hosted pub quizzes, donned fancy dress or simply donated.

Pam Bacon, BBC Children in Need regional officer for the south and west, said: “We are incredibly pleased to award a grant to Advance for their work, and cannot wait to see the difference that the funding will make to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in Wiltshire.

“Of course, none of our grants would be possible without the continued support of our fundraisers and everyone who donates to the Charity each year. Thanks to your generosity, children and young people all over the UK will have a brighter future.”