Cash to help rebuild lives

The Big Lottery Fund pledged the cash to the Haven House Project, which supports abused women in Sheffield.

The money, from the Playful Ideas programme, will improve children’s lives by encouraging them to use play as a way of building confidence. Play activities will be introduced to help children adjust to changes when they start a new life with their mother at a women’s refuge.

Jean Kidner, from Haven House, said: “We are delighted because over 500 children will benefit from increased opportunities for play and will feel less isolated in their new homes. Women will feel more involved in their children’s play.”