A CHARITY supporting deaf children and their families has been boosted by a huge cash windfall.

York-based Lollipop, which runs activities and learning programmes for youngsters, has been awarded a £315,000 grant over five years from the Big Lottery Fund's Reaching Communities Programme to help continue their vital work.

Lollipop delivers free activities that encourage children to try something new, build confidence and increase self-esteem. The annual programme of around 65 activities includes creative work-shops, drop in sessions and dynamic team building opportunities at local attractions.

Andrea Gitsham, founder and chairwoman of Lollipop says she is thrilled to secure the funding.

She said: "In the current economic climate small charities like ours find it increasingly difficult to find the time to strengthen the skills, knowledge and confidence of staff and committee members due to the constant demands of fund raising whilst continuing to maintain and develop services.

"This additional award will provide the flexibility and resources to equip the Lollipop team to deliver more effective and sustainable services to our beneficiaries."

The grant gives the charity funds to develop its mentor scheme and outreach projects across North Yorkshire to build on the benefits it provides to more than 480 deaf and hearing impaired children.

The grant includes money to support the salary of two new jobs - a service manager and mentor supervisor - alongside activity costs and office lease. Lollipop bosses believe the Big Lottery Fund money will cover around half of the costs of this five year project, but will need to raise between £40,000 and £50,000 themselves.

Helen May, whose four-year-old daughter is a member of Lollipop, said: "It is absolutely fabulous that Lollipop has received this follow on funding and it is well deserved. My daughter and I benefit from the charity. She is coming up to five and being able to identify with other young people who also have a hearing impairment has been crucial to her in such formative years. She is now identifying with being deaf and is confident about that and Lollipop has a huge role to play in that. I am just so grateful that she will have continued opportunities to be part of a local deaf community through Lollipop. Lollipop has helped me too, giving me access to other parents who I wouldn’t have otherwise met. Without them, I would have felt isolated and pretty clueless."