Good causes across the district have received £120,000 in extra funding thanks to community a grant scheme.

The cash will be distributed to four organisations who improve the health and well-being of residents in the district - Action for Family Carers, Centre for Action of Rape and Abuse (CARA), Helen Rollason Cancer Charity and the Salvation Army.

CARA will receive £33,987 to fund a counselling and support service for victims of sexual violence and child abuse.

Director Helen Parr said: “The counselling and therapeutic support we provide helps our clients to process what has happened to them and develop strategies to cope with the complex emotions they are often experiencing.

“We have seen a growth in demand for our services in the Braintree district, and this funding means we can continue our work and increase the number of sessions we offer.”

Action for Family Carers has been boosted with £35,509 of cash, which will be used to employ someone to work in schools to support young carers.

Helen Rollason will spend £14,565 of grant funding to continue therapeutic treatments for people with cancer.

The Salvation Army will use £33,986 to retain a support manager at Braintree Foyer - a centre for young people aged 16 to 25.

Pat Cross, head of housing and care support services at Salvation Army Housing Association, said: "We are delighted to receive this donation from the Essex Community Fund.

"This money will help us to provide vital support services to young people experiencing homelessness at our Braintree Foyer."

Set up by Braintree Council and Greenfields Community Housing in 2016, the Braintree District and Greenfields Community Fund is managed by Essex Community Foundation.

Councillor Wendy Schmitt, deputy leader of Braintree District Council, said: “As a council we are proud to be part of this fund which is making a real difference to the community.

"The range of organisations this year are close to many people’s hearts and I look forward to seeing the difference this money will make.”

Last year the fund gave £95,000 to organisations including Braintree Area Foodbank and Witham Town Luncheon Club.

Visit www.essexcommunityfoundation.org.uk.