WORCESTERSHIRE County Council claims its 'early help' provision is achieving "life-changing improvements" for families.

The local authority has commissioned a number of specialist providers - such as the charity Action for Children in Worcester and Malvern - to carry out the work on its behalf.

Early help is described as a "range of support given to families that helps to nip problems in the bud before they get worse and require intervention from more specialist services such as social care".

Providers are responsible for running children's centres and managing family support workers.

One parent from Malvern, whose child had been self-harming and missing school, has described the service she received from early help as her "saviour".

Hannah Needham, strategic commissioner for early help and partnerships, said: "Hearing the support that each service has given to so many families across Worcestershire was wonderful.

"We have worked hard over the past two years to develop early help services in each district area and I am pleased that they are making a positive difference to people's lives."

Councillor John Campion, Worcestershire County Council cabinet member for children and families, added: "Improving our early help services is an important strand to help us reduce the demand on specialist services such a social care.

"If families can get the help they need early on there will be less need for intensive support as well as improving outcomes for the children and families in Worcestershire."