A CHARITY which supports carers has seen its future secured after it won a £434,000 grant from the lottery.

Blackburn with Darwen Carers Service Limited will spend the cash on a series of projects to support the hundreds of people who are unpaid carers.

Sam Morris, chief executive, said activities will include confidence and self-esteem schemes as well as training, aimed at helping carers to learn coping strategies such as relaxation techniques, stress management, healthy lifestyle interventions and access to holistic therapies and massage.

She said: “We have had a tough year and this funding really secures our future.

“Our vision is of a community in which carers have a voice and their needs are recognised and respected. That they are empowered to achieve their goals and aspirations in their caring role.

“The funding will give us much-needed resources to support hidden and hard to reach carers, and to offer them information, support and respite opportunities.

“The project will help carers to gain new skills, confidence and self-care techniques, to help them stay mentally and physically well, so that carers can continue to support their loved ones.”

The cash will also mean access to one to one support and information clinics which will include benefits and supported employment advice.

Also in the East Lancashire area, the Pendle Women’s Forum has won a grant of £188,000.

This money will be used to run a project to help isolated and vulnerable Asian women aged 19 to 60 living in Pendle.

It will mean that they will be able to participate in self development activities that will improve their education, training and employment opportunities.

Helen Bullough, from the Big Lottery Fund, said: “These projects will make a huge difference to the lives of some of the region’s most vulnerable people.”