THE future of a vital independent advocacy service has been secured with the help of a huge award from the National Lottery.

The cash from the Big Lottery Fund’s Reaching Communities programme will also mean that Hambleton and Richmondshire Advocacy will be able to extend its services.

It provides advocacy services to vulnerable people who need help with their daily lives and to access support services and has been awarded a total of £390,786.

In the past the service worked with the over-60s but following the funding boost it will also support people with physical disabilities, mental health problems and carers.

Many vulnerable people live in rural areas of Richmondshire and Hambleton and find it difficult to access services and assistance because of social isolation and transport difficulties.

However the advocacy service helps them to say what they want, secures their rights, represents their interests and obtains services they need.

That can be anything from helping vulnerable people to access benefits they are entitled to, resolving problems with bills, helping to access legal services and providing access to support services.

As well as using its own advocacy workers the organisation will now also recruit local volunteers to help deliver its services.

Manager Julie Taylor said: "We can now feel more secure in our ability to continue doing what we do best.

"Our organisation has been established for over 15 years and has provided a much-needed independent advocacy service which has become a lifeline for many vulnerable people.

"This funding will mean that, in these difficult economic times, the service can continue to support those vulnerable people to have their voices heard, their issues dealt with and their personal circumstances improved by the involvement of an independent advocate."

The Big Lottery Fund’s regional head Vanessa White added: "This service is vital, particularly in rural areas where it is even more difficult for vulnerable people to find the help and support they might need."