Disadvantaged children and young people in the borough have been awarded more than £58,000 in new grants from the BBC Children in Need.

The invested funds will go to support local projects in Richmond which are dedicated to improving the physical well-being, emotional health and social care of these children.

Richmond upon Thames Crossroads Care, an organisation which helps family look after children and young people with special health needs and learning difficulties, will receive more than £29,000 to help it continue to offer a range of activities and classes as part of its services.

Julie Da Costa, children services manager at Richmond upon Thames Crossroads Care, said: “BBC Children in Need has been funding us since 2014 and we look forward to using the new grant to continue to build on the success of our activity sessions.”

Crossroads Care has been running a Saturday club for children with special needs for more than a decade offering parent carers a break whilst their children enjoy cookery and art classes, games, sports, seasonal trips to the panto and many other activities.

“Based in Hampton our project will give children and young people with special educational needs the opportunity to improve their self-confidence, social, interactive and organisational skills and help them to reach their full potential,” Mrs Da Costa added.

The Horse Rangers Association run in Hampton Court has also been awarded more than £28,000 of new funds to help it continue to provide horse riding workshops for disabled children and young people in the borough.

Nicki Wyss, riding for the disabled (RDA) manager said: “We’ve seen how this project helps our participants by improving their emotional well-being, increasing their social interactions and improving their self-confidence and self-esteem.”

The charity offers disabled children and young people the chance to take part in all the Horse Rangers main events during the year including the annual gymkhana games run at the end of the summer – where family and friends can come to watch and enjoy the days events.

Ms Wyss added: “Horse riding and stable tasks help to improve motor skills, whilst specific exercises which we teach our members, help to develop their core strength, balance and co-ordination. Thank you so much to BBC Children in Need for supporting us again!”

Katie Higginson, BBC Children in Need regional head of London and the South East, said; “I am always so inspired by the difference our funded projects make to children and young people who face challenges in their lives.

“We are currently supporting 550 projects making a difference for disadvantaged children and young people in the area.”

BBC Children in Need relies on the support and efforts made from thousands across the UK who help to raise this money. Whether it is baking cakes, putting on quizzes, dressing up or sponsored walks – every little makes a difference to the charity.

Projects working with children and young people facing any kind of disadvantage can find out more on how to apply for funding at bbc.co.uk/pudsey.

For those who are interested in finding out more about or joining Horse Rangers visit http://www.horserangers.com or email rda@horserangers.com.

If you are interested in Crossroads care visit http://www.crossroadscarerk.org or email info@crossroadscarerk.org.uk.