A PROJECT which aims to cut the number of children who go missing from home is among Gwent schemes to get money from the Big Lottery Fund it was announced today.

With the £543,202 they were awarded, child protection agencies in Gwent will create a 'missing children’s hub'. The scheme will bring together workers from the public services to intervene early to find out why youngsters are going missing.

Deputy Chief Constable of Gwent Police and chairman of the Project Board, Jeff Farrar, said: “I am totally convinced that the approach we are taking in joining together across public services to break the cycle for missing children will be truly ground breaking. This will set the standard for the way we respond to all vulnerable people. A lot of hard work has gone into making this a reality and I would particular like to thank the young people who have experience the trauma of being missing and have helped us in redesigning the service.”

Among the other projects the cash will support include a Blaenau Gwent respite service for families at risk of breakdown, an environmental education service with Newport recycling firm  Wastesavers and cash for staff at a community project in the Gaer, Newport.

The schemes in Gwent to get funding:

Home-Start Blaenau Gwent - £248,941 - A family respite service will assist families at risk of breakdown, giving parents a break and working with the children to address identified support needs.

Wastesavers Charitable Trust Limited, Newport - £160,934 - Wastesavers will expand its education programme in Newport which offers practical education to 14-18 year olds who are excluded from school in Newport and Torfaen.

Gaer Community Network , Newport - £174,762 - The project is to employ a centre manager and part-time volunteer.

Woodlands Field Limited - Torfaen County Borough Council - £273,786 - The three year project will provide a permanent building in Torfaen to house youth activities.

Cardiff Wales Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Mardi Gras - £189,895 - The project will fund the development of the Cardiff Mardi Gras, with projects based in Torfaen, Monmouthshire and Blaenau Gwent.

Gwent Police - £543,202 - Gwent  'missing childrens' hub' for information sharing and risk assessment.

 

A total of 19 projects throughout Wales share in the £3,994,774 awarded through the Big Lottery Fund’s (BIG) People and Places programme today.