Two projects working in Ealing have been awarded grants totalling more than £165,000 in BBC Children in Need's first funding round of 2017.

The grants will be shared amongst projects providing services to disadvantaged children and young people in the area.

The news means that BBC Children in Need now has more than £387,000 invested locally. 

Katie Higginson, BBC Children in Need Regional Head of London and the South East said: “We are so pleased to be awarding more grants to projects that will make a difference to disadvantaged children and young people in Ealing.

“In the last year we have helped improve the lives of over 78,000 children and young people in London and the South East and we are currently supporting 551 projects making an impact on disadvantaged young lives across the region.”

The Log Cabin has been awarded a grant of £74,942 over three years to run an after school play facility for children and young people with disabilities in Ealing.

The sessions for four – 15 year olds include; soft play, arts and crafts, group games, dance, music, drama and sports activities.

All activities are wheelchair-accessible and where possible designed to improve co-ordination and motor skills, balance and spatial awareness.

The activities will help the children and young people develop friendships whilst improving their confidence and self-esteem.

Elsewhere, Brentford FC Community Sports Trust is celebrating a grant of £90,382 over three years to deliver mentoring, education and sports opportunities to young people living in areas of deprivation across Ealing, Southall and Staines.

The new grant will fund coaches and mentors to provide multi-sports, football activities and mentoring support.

BFC CST will work in partnership with key local housing provider A2 Dominion to deliver the Be Inspired project, aiming to improve the young people’s wellbeing and raise their aspirations whilst reducing any negative behaviour.

Luke Skelhorn, General Manager at Brentford FC Community Sports Trust said: “We’re delighted to have been awarded new funding from BBC Children in Need to deliver our Brentford Football Club Be Inspired Project.

“With this funding we will be able to offer young people living in deprived areas of West London a safe space and a platform to engage in positive activities.”

BBC Children in Need awards grants at seven points during the year and funds two types of grants, both of which are open to new or existing applicants.

A Main Grants Programme is for grants over £10,000 per year to support projects for up to three years.

Meanwhile, a Small Grants Programme includes grants up to and including £10,000, and has been to support projects for up to three years.

Projects working 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.