Vulnerable families in Greenwich will have additional support after a government scheme has been given the green light to extend its responsibilities.

‘Families First’ provides support for families dealing with issues like school truancy, crime and anti-social behavior and other major barriers to employment.

The programme will now support families with debt problems, parents and children with health problems, and children at risk of being taken into care.

Councillor Maureen O’Mara, Royal Borough of Greenwich Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing and Public Health said: “The Royal Borough recognises that providing access to a good education and employment and improving skills are the best ways to help families become secure and establish good role models for the next generation. However, we also recognise that for some families even taking the first steps towards positive changes can simply seem like too much to take on.”

The scheme is part of a wider national initiative called the ‘Troubled Families Programme’ and since its launch last year has helped around 450 of 790 households in Greenwich, which puts it ahead of the London and national average success rate.