91Èȱ¬

Children In Need 2005 raised more than £33m for children's organisations across the country. In Norfolk, the money has been a lifeline for some charities.

Nelson's Journey

Nelson's Journey was founded to help children who lose their loved ones. It's estimated that every year around 280 children in this county experience bereavement.

Abby Rose has made friends at the Hamlet

"Towards the beginning of this year, we were wondering whether Nelson's Journey was going to continue to survive," said the charity's Kim Greensmith.

"91Èȱ¬ Children In Need actually saved us, the way we see it. Our money was running low, and it's made a huge difference."

The charity helps families with counselling and organises weekend camps where children take part in outdoor activities to boost their self-esteem.

They also have the chance to show their anger, grief and incomprehension at their loved one dying.

Joshua Bone went on a camp this summer after his aunt died last year.

"Before I went to Nelson's Journey, I was feeling sad, and I didn't want to go anywhere," he said.

"Afterwards I felt so much better, like something else had come out. Then there was an empty part of me that was waiting to be filled with happiness and gladness about being home and having family around me," he added.

Hamlet Centre

91Èȱ¬ Children In Need money also helps to run two youth groups for children with disabilities in Norwich.

"I think it's one of the most important things they can do really," said Hannah Nisbitt, the youth leader at the Hamlet Centre.

"Obviously it's easier for their peers to access social groups, but it's not so easy for the children who come here," she added.

Abby Rose attends the group every week. "It's made a lot of difference to her life," said her father, Marcus.

"Because of her visual impairment, she can't get out with other children that well, but she feels secure here. While she's at the group, I get out a little bit and her mother spends some time with her sister and brother, so it's nice," he added.

The Bus

Another 91Èȱ¬ Children In Need grant has gone to help young people in Dereham.

The Bus is run by Lynn Milnes for the Wellspring Family Centre. Every Friday night she and other youth workers take a renovated bus down to the recreation ground in Dereham.

"A lot of the young people are under the influence of alcohol and drugs," said Lynn Milnes.

"It's just really to provide somewhere that they know they can come to and they feel safe coming to. They can come and sit on here, have a chat, have a free hot drink and a donut," she added.

Until last month, the work Lynn Milnes carried out was completely voluntary, but now she's paid from a 91Èȱ¬ Children In Need grant.

"Four years ago, there were a lot of problems with vandalism and graffiti and everyone was giving the youth really bad press," she said.

"I just felt they needed someone to go out and talk to them. I was really surprised; they befriended me. I think we’ve made a lot of difference.

"I would find it very difficult to sit at home on a Friday night, knowing they're all out here. I want to know that if one of them was in danger, then we're here and we can help them," she added.

Projects given grants in Norfolk 2005/2006

Nelson's Journey £89,161
West Norwich Partnership £67,877
Wellspring Family Centre £28,516
Yesu £66,528
91Èȱ¬-Start Breckland and South Norfolk £3,700
The Benjamin Foundation £46,382