Young people either in need or in care in North East Lincolnshire are set to feel the benefit of nearly £500,000.

The money will fund the council's Quality Protects management action plan as part of a Department of Health-led programme to improve the quality of life for children who come in contact with North East Lincolnshire's social services department.

The programme was originally set up in 1998 and was due to run for three years, but has been so successful, it has been extended for an extra two.

Helen Norris, quality protects manager, who gave a presentation at the launch, is delighted by the extension of the project and the special grant, which will finance the programme for a year.

She said: "The plan we have launched sets out our targets and priorities, how different agencies work together and provide services in the area and how we show that we are meeting our targets.

"It is about action, what we are doing and how we are doing it."

Prea Fowler, 18, who left care two years ago, joined Ms Norris in giving the presentation.

"Quality Protects has improved care in just about all areas," she said. "For example, with the complaints procedure, before you didn't know where it would go next. Now they make sure you are informed and involved."

Miss Fowler, who lives in Grimsby, also described how she had benefited from the improved support available for care leavers.

"I'm going to university in the autumn and I have had financial support, encouragement and advice" she added. "They have helped guide me towards independence."

Used courtesy of the Grimsby Evening Telegraph