HUNDREDS of vulnerable families in York have received help and support to turn their lives around, new figures have revealed.

Figures released by the Department for Communities and Local Government show that 282 families have been helped by City of York Council’s Family Focus Team, which works with families with multiple and complex needs.

Their work involves resolving truanting and antisocial behavioural problems, helping family members tackle addiction or get back into employment.

Families identified as “troubled” by the Government are characterised by having no adult in the family working, children not being in school and family members being involved in crime and antisocial behaviour.

The team’s success means it has been given the go-ahead to reach a further 1,040 families over the next five years.

Linda Murphy, Family Focus service manager, City of York Council, said: “York’s Family Focus Programme has involved listening to the voice of every family member to ensure services across the city can then work together in a co-ordinated way to support any issues a family may be struggling with.

“Each family has a dedicated worker who helps to co-ordinate the family’s plan, allowing the services to offer their support in a co-ordinated and timely way.

“As a result of the support received, 282 families have worked hard and have already turned their lives around.”