A YORK children's charity has won praise from the top for its work to bring stability into family life.

Margaret Hodge, Minister for Children, praised charity Family Matters York (FMY) in a speech to the House of Commons.

The charity, supported by the Department for Education and Skills, works to teach children and adults relationship skills to try to bring more stability into family life.

Mrs Hodge said: "One of Family Matters York's objectives is to equip individuals and families with the skills necessary to manage their finances effectively, develop a healthy attitude to money and avoid uncontrolled debt"

A grant of £2,000 from Community Champions has been received to promote courses in York in money management.

Robin Watson, co-ordinator of the charity, explained: "FMY exists to equip children and adults with relationship skills in order to bring more stability into family life, and reduce the levels of truancy, homelessness, domestic violence, vandalism and juvenile crime. We offer marriage preparation, couple support events, and parenting sessions and courses as well as the money management courses. We aim to be preventative and build foundations, rather than trying to mop up, as this is not working".

Family Matters York will run a course after Christmas entitled Has Christmas Left You With A Financial Hangover? The aim is to help people gain control of their finances. Anyone interested in attending should contact Family Matters York on 01904 639767.

Updated: 09:59 Thursday, December 11, 2003