Projects in the Black Country receive more than £327,000 in grants

Grants have been awarded from BBC Children in Need as part of a bid to help disadvantaged areas.

Let us Play in Wolverhampton has been awarded a three-year grant of £62,360 which supports children and young people in the city.

It helps provide one-to-one support to disabled children with multiple and complex needs.

Claire McKen, assistant charity manager, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded this funding from BBC Children in Need.

"We want disabled children to be part of their communities, to be seen and accepted and simply have the chance to play.

"We believe that there is a craft, sport, skill and new friend out there for every child, and only by trying new things in an encouraging and supportive environment will we help them find them."

In Sandwell, a total of three projects have each received a slice of the £265,166 funding.

Lion Farm Action Centre has received a three-year grant of £116,109 to deliver an after school club to help disadvantaged children in the area.

The Dorothy Parkes Centre in Smethwick has been allocated a three-year grant of £78,812 to provide a weekly youth club.

And the African Community Heritage Hub Ltd has received a three-year cash boost of £62,474.

Robert Bruce, chief executive officer at Dorothy Parkes Centre, said: “This funding really will go on to make a positive impact on the lives of disadvantaged children and young people locally.

"Through engaging with enjoyable social activities their skills and confidence levels will improve, helping them to feel happier and more empowered for a positive and fulfilled future."

Melinda Connelly, BBC Children in Need regional head for the central region, added: "We are delighted to be awarding funding to fantastic projects like these, knowing that they will make a lasting and tangible difference to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people. In the coming months these projects will work with young people in the area who need it most, which, without the help of our fundraisers, wouldn’t be possible."