THEY help people across the city, and now three Winchester groups have been awarded nearly £4,000 to help continue their vital services.

Healthwatch Hampshire has handed out over £32,000 across the county to projects which support improving health and social care services.

Home-Start Winchester and Districts, which helps troubled families, received £1950, Age Concern Hampshire got £1961, and the University of Winchester £2,000 for its adult young carers programme.

Anne Macpherson, scheme coordinator of Home-Start, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this funding and we are in the process of deciding how best to use it for the benefit of the families that we are supporting.”

A University spokesperson said: “The University will organise and host an event for 30 young adult carers, aged 16-25, for whom there are currently no Hampshire-based bespoke events or services tailored specifically to their age group or circumstances.”

The health watchdog manager, Steve Taylor, said: “The community cash fund is a great opportunity for us to work with groups around the community who are interested in improving their health and social care services.”

Disabled People’s Voice Hampshire also received £1,000, which will be used to map advocacy services across the county for those with physical and learning disabilities, sensory impairments, mental health issues, older people, and those with long-term health conditions.

The projects will run until March 2015.