A LOTTERY windfall has given a charity that supports adults with learning disabilities long term security and a chance to help more people across County Durham.

One to One, based in Spennymoor, secured £204,175 from the Big Lottery Fund (BLF) in the latest round of grants which saw 11 projects share almost £3m.

The money will keep the charity, which used to be known as The Befriender Scheme, going for five years and enable it to expand.

One to One provides befrienders to help adults with learning difficulties who due to the nature and severity of their disabilities lack basic life skills and independence and have few relationships outside of their immediate families.

Befrienders give them the individual support they need to take part in their chosen activities such as shopping, eating out, exercising, visiting attractions and trying new hobbies.

The isolation the clients would suffer without that help is often mirrored by their carers so the scheme also offers them some valuable respite.

The BLF grant will pay the salaries of the charity’s three staff until 2020 and during that time it must take on eight more clients each year.

Manager Mike Russell says: “We’re pretty excited to be able to keep doing this job, One to One gives such a lot to people who really need it.”

The grant gave the charity a lifeline as its future became uncertain when funding from Durham County Council ended in March 2014 due to Government cutbacks.

Mr Russell said: “A lot of groups face funding difficulties and were going for this pot so we’re delighted to get it, BLF isn’t easy to get so there were almost tears when we were successful.

“A good project just needs someone to explain it is a good project and we’ve managed to do that.

“We currently have 15 befrienders helping 18 clients and now need to increase that number.

“That gives us a real opportunity to work across County Durham helping more people.”

For information visit the website onetoone.org.uk or call 01388-816784.