A charity that previously struggled to secure funding has been shortlisted for a community fund award.

Oasis Children’s Charity, which works with vulnerable parents and children, applied to the Lloyds Banking community fund awards to help its young parents programme.

The 10-week programme supports those aged 14 to 26 who have become parents and lets them share their experiences with others.

As part of the programme, parents and their children enjoy an informal lunch with other members of the group and also take part in group sessions with counsellors to talk about topics which may affect them, including body image, relationships and self-esteem.

Members on the programme also receive parenting and lifestyle advice as well as free childcare at Oasis’s nursery.

Caroline Edwards, founder of Oasis, said: “Without these types of awards and private donations, Oasis would not exist.

“We are hugely grateful to all those that support Oasis within the Elmbridge community and are encouraged each time by the results we see with the families and children that we work with.

“Oasis believes every child has the right to security, love and a stable environment and with this and other such awards we will be able to continue our work with families in need.”

The Cobham charity, set up in 1996, relies on donations and funding to offer its services and the winner of the Lloyds fund will be chosen by the public.

To vote, visit lloydsbank.com/communityfund or text VOTE KBTA to 61119. Voting opens on September 23 and closes on November 1.