VULNERABLE people are set to benefit after a range of grants were handed out to voluntary groups across the Eastleigh area.

The funding was part of nearly £565,000 of annual grants made to voluntary organisations across the county.

Among those receiving a windfall is Eastleigh Citizens Advice Bureau, which will get £5,145 for its GP outreach service at Blackthorn Surgery in Netley.

About 250 older people and carers benefit from the service, which provides people with guidance, including how to make the most of available benefits.

A grant of £12,000 went to Eastleigh Advocacy Project for its work in running a self-advocacy group for about 30 people, supporting them to make informed choices and have a greater say in decisions which affect their lives.

Additional countywide grants, courtesy of Hampshire County Council, which will also benefit Eastleigh residents were:

£106,000 to Club Hampshire, which provides clubs for older or disabled people

£92,880 to Age Concern Hampshire's information and advice service.

£7,500 for The Hampshire Centre for Independent Living, which promotes and supports independent living for disabled people.

£8,188 to the Huntington's Disease Association.

£7,273 to Hampshire Family Mediation.

£48,500 to Hampshire Voluntary Care Groups' Advisory Service.

Felicity Hindson, county council executive member for social care, said: "The voluntary sector in Eastleigh plays a vital role in providing much-needed services to the area. I am very pleased to announce this new round of grants to these groups who continue to support the most vulnerable in our county."