A project aimed at taking early action to prevent social problems has been given nearly half a million pounds by the Big Lottery Fund.

The fund says the £493,720 grant will build on work already being done by the Early Action Task Force, which aims to 'embed a culture among charities, funders, and public sector bodies where preventative services and activities are given greater prominence'.

This includes creating a process for identifying and classifying early expenditure, working with the National Audit Office on a review of the 'early action landscape' and publishing several reports with ideas for reducing need.

Big Lottery Fund chief executive Dawn Austwick said: 'We start from the perspective that people want to overcome barriers and take control of their lives.

'We also know that charities, funders and commissioners are looking to early action as a more sustainable and positive means of supporting communities.

'The Early Action Task Force provides the ideas, expertise and tools to make the most of people’s strengths and build a more preventative society.'