THE director of a national Troubled Families programme has met people working to support nearly 650 vulnerable families in Worcestershire.

The Stronger Families programme in Worcester helps get parents back to work, encourages children to go to school and reduces anti-social behaviour.

Vestia Community Trust won the contract from Worcestershire County Council to run the service with the help of five housing partners and Core Assets.

Louise Casey, director general of Troubled Families, said: "This visit was a great opportunity for me to meet those working hard to deliver the Troubled Families programme in Worcestershire.

"I was impressed by the determination of those working on the front-line and reassured that Worcestershire county council remains committed to driving the programme forward and delivering real change for families locally.”

Also at the meeting were representatives from Festival Housing, Nexus Housing, The Community Housing Group (TCHG), Rooftop Housing Group, Worcester Community Housing and Core Assets.

Liz Eyre, the council's cabinet member for Children and Families, said: "It was a wonderful opportunity to get different services together with Louise to find out about the next phase of the Troubled Families programme, and discuss the best ways for us to work together to improve the support given to families across the county."