A housing association has awarded a series of grants to organisations across south west Hertfordshire.

Thrive Homes has £12,000 to the Citizens Advice Bureau in order for it to provide an extra 14 hours of debt advice each week in its Rickmansworth, Oxhey and Abbots Langley centres.

A further £12,000 was given to Home-Start Watford and Three Rivers to enable it to support at least ten vulnerable families living in Thrive’s properties.

Thrive Homes owns and manages more than 4,100 properties across Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

Sean Hughes, head of policy and communications at Thrive Homes, said: "Our community grant scheme is aimed at supporting local projects and organisations which make a positive difference to their own environment.

"We’ve been running it since 2010 and have been inspired by the hard work which is going on in the heart of our communities. We’re delighted to give continued backing to two projects which offer such practical help to families."

Marion Seneschall, chief executive of the Citizens Advice Service in Three Rivers, said: "This grant is really welcome, as we know people in financial difficulties find it invaluable to talk to someone who can offer expert and independent advice. It should allow us to prevent more people from getting trapped in a downward spiral of debt."

Emma Power, scheme manager at Home-Start Watford and Three Rivers, added: "Funding like this is vital to help us provide both practical and emotional help to local families in need. We carefully match parent volunteers to support vulnerable families, allowing us to improve the lives of children in our area."