ILMINSTER’S county councillor has welcomed a rollout of funding to help the area’s most troubled families.

A life-changing programme to support families in Somerset has already successfully helped 870 households with the most complex issues turn their lives round.

The Troubled Families programme has been delivered by a partnership of Somerset County Council and the five district councils and helps families in a number of ways.

These range from encouraging children back to school, finding employment or a pathway back to work for adults, and reducing youth crime and anti-social behaviour across the whole household. Studies show that families in the programme have an average of nine serious problems each, including debt, drugs, domestic violence and health issues.

The programme is now being expanded nationally and in Somerset will be aiming to reach a further 2,970 families.

Support is being delivered through the ‘GetSet’ service which provides early help.

Cllr Linda Vijeh said: “As the county councillor for the Ilminster area I am delighted at the news of the considerable amount of investment that has gone into the introduction of the ‘GetSet’ programme.

“It is particularly important that there is a pro-active approach towards working with not just the district councils, but also other organisations that can play a valuable part in supporting troubled families.

“In what seems to be, on the surface at least, a relatively affluent community such as Ilminster, the problem can easily be hidden, but the impact of early intervention in helping those in such circumstances cannot be underestimated in terms of the ability to offer life-changing solutions to problems that very often are due to outside factors beyond their control.

“I know only too well from my own long term experience with vulnerable groups just how important it is for everyone to work together.

"A seemingly minor issue with one person in the family can soon escalate, affecting everyone and eventually getting out of control.”

In March, the then communities secretary Eric Pickles announced that the Troubled Families programme would be expanded nationally and he praised the role of local councils.

It is estimated that the national programme has saved taxpayers around £12bn through the investment of £4.8m by reducing the burden on public services.

Cllr Frances Nicholson, Somerset County Council’s cabinet member for children and families, said: “I would like to congratulate our dedicated Troubled Families team and thank the district councils for all their hard work in helping transform the lives of so many vulnerable families.

“I’m delighted we will be expanding the programme to reach even more families in the future. What is clear from the success of the programme so far is that no one is beyond help.”