MONTHS of filling in applications to secure a life-changing lottery grant has finally paid off for Forest Pulse who have been awarded £256,000.

The Cinderford-based charity, which supports disabled children and young people with disabilities and their families in the Forest of Dean, were told they had secured the Reaching Communities Grant last month.

Charity manager, Pam Jones said: “This award will help ensure the charity can continue to provide its highly-valued services for the next three years. It is getting harder to secure community donations as money is tight so this grant will stand us in good stead for some time. It has made a fundamental difference to the way we work.

“The money will be used to provide a wide programme of social, sport and recreational activities where disabled children and young people receive the specialist support they require to enjoy the wide range of opportunities on offer. These include youth clubs, specialist sports, music and dance sessions, holiday, weekend and afterschool clubs alongside independence and social activities, trips and other exciting opportunities.

“This funding will also help provide the specialist advice service for parents provided by the charity.

“Anyone interested in volunteering at the charity can contact Pam Jones on 01594 826357.”