Homeless people in Newham are to be helped into jobs and training after a Canning Town charity received a big funding boost.

Caritas Anchor House has been awarded £299,960 to support vulnerable people into employment over the next three years.

Help will be given to the borough’s “hard-to-reach” people who have “complex needs” as a result of substance misue, mental health issues, domestic violence and criminal records.

Keith Fenett, chief executive of the charity, said the funding would help to improve the prospects of more people in the borough.

He said, “We are delighted that our transformative work in Newham has been recognised by The Big Lottery Fund. With the second highest levels of unemployment in London, our services are becoming ever more vital and this funding will allow us to extend our services in the community.”

The monies will fund two key posts - An E-Learning Coordinator and Programme Manager - who will help support existing employees in the charity’s service teams.

Caritas Anchor House has supported 176 residents into employment over the past three years and has worked with 800 people to improve their employment prospects.

Its services include employability workshops, e-learning courses, social activities, and health and wellbeing activities.