A PROJECT to turn around the lives of almost 200 vulnerable children in Dorset will benefit from a share of a £2m government grant.

The Church of England Children's Society is one of nine grassroots organisations to receive part of the funding.

Education secretary Justine Greening said the money will be shared between projects which are trying to help children who may face domestic violence, female genital mutilation and radicalisation, as well as the abuse of vulnerable youngsters.

The charities due to be awarded are the Midaye Somali Development Network, the Foundation for Women's Health Research Development, Victim Support in Lancashire, Sheffield Futures, Home Start UK in Shepway, Kent, Kidscape, Tavistock Relationships and the Dorset Children's Society.

Ms Greening said: "This funding will help us to support families that have experienced domestic violence, as well as helping to prevent abuse occurring in future.

"It's people working with the most vulnerable in our society on the ground who are often best placed to trial new approaches to keeping them safe, and these nine projects can make a real difference."

The Children's Society chief operating officer Val Floy said the organisation was "delighted" by the windfall.

"We are delighted to have been awarded funding to deliver ‘reveal’, which will support children living in families affected by both substance misuse and domestic violence," she said.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to deliver a pioneering service and make long-term sustainable improvements to the lives of the most vulnerable children and young people in the Dorset area."

The funding will provide intensive support to 175 children and young people.

Staff from the charity will work with 58 families dealing with issues including domestic violence.

A further 150 professionals will be trained to work with children in education, social care, health and policing as part of the scheme.