Voluntary and community groups across south Essex are celebrating after hitting the lottery jackpot.

They scooped a total of £710,787 which includes a large slice to the Basildon Mediation Service.

The organisation was awarded £150,621 by the National Lotteries Charity Board towards a new confidential service offering people free advice on a range of topics, including law.

The grant will help cover the cost of training mediators who will bring people together to discuss their disputes.

Basildon Council community and leisure services committee chairman, Nigel Smith, (Lab, Lee Chapel) said: "Basildon does have cases of neighbour nuisance and initiatives such as this will help solve such disputes."

South Ockendon Community Forum received the biggest handout, £364,151, to help it establish a unit to develop skills and training for local people.

Forum chairman, Maggie Pollock, said: "We are ecstatic. The project empowers the local people so that we are totally community driven in this unique project."

Thurrock Citizens' Advice Bureau received £112,519 to set up a free specialist welfare benefits advice service including support with appeals.

The Peaceful Place Day Centre in Southend for people with onset dementia will be able to keep on running thanks to their £83,496 award.

It will allow the centre to buy and maintain a much needed new mini bus and help pay for staff salaries.

Richard Martineau, chairman of the regional awards committee, said: "These awards will make a real difference to many of the most vulnerable people in society. The Charities Board is committed to making sure lottery money goes where it is most needed, and that every area gets its fair share."

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