BBC Children in Need have announced a total of £139,464 in new funding to two projects in Great Yarmouth.

The grants are shared among projects working with disadvantaged children and young people in the area.

The first recipient of the funding is Great Yarmouth and Gorleston Young Carers Project. The project received a grant of £90,596 to cover costs associated with running support groups, workshops and social events for 40 local young carers.

Activities based at the project provide vulnerable under 18s with an opportunity meet peers in similar situations, whilst increasing their self-confidence and improving aspirations.

Terry Wood, manager at Great Yarmouth and Gorleston Young Carers Project said: “Over the next three years, funding from BBC Children in Need will allow us to deliver fortnightly, age-specific peer support group for young people who either care for their parents or support their parents care for their siblings.

“Our activities offer young people a welcome respite from their caring role, giving them the opportunity to know that they are not alone in their responsibilities.”

Elsewhere in Great Yarmouth, Home-Start Great Yarmouth and District was awarded a grant of £48,868. Funding will enable the group to provide home visiting support to more than 60 children and their families who are experiencing a range of issues, including mental health conditions, poverty and deprivation. Young people involved will benefit from improved family relationships and general wellbeing.

A spokesperson for Homestart, said: “We were delighted to hear the fantastic news that we have secured three year funding with Children in Need. This will help us to continue to provide practical and emotional support to local families with at least one child under five years old through the fully-trained home visiting volunteer service.

“Some families will also benefit from school readiness support in the six months leading up to nursery/school admission.”

Speaking of the new grants, Melinda Connelly, BBC Children in Need Regional Head of the Central Region said: “All of the projects that we fund make a tangible difference to young lives, and these new additions are no exception. In the months ahead they’ll work closely with some of the young people in Great Yarmouth that need it most.”

Projects working with children and young people facing any kind of disadvantage can find out more on how to apply for funding at bbc.co.uk/pudsey/grants.