Local businesses, charities and community groups working with children and families can claim a slice of a near £250,000 fund in grants.

Subsidies valued up to £30,000 are available for organisations to increase access to community-based groups to help parents affected by mental health problems - either while expecting a baby or while looking after children up to two years old.

Up to £5,325 is offered in antenatal contact payments to support families expecting a child or who have toddlers under two to provide help and advice on infant feeding.

The total fund available is £246,000 but time is running out to bid for it.

Dan Watkins, Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, said: “As a father myself, I know parenting can be really tough as well as bringing so much joy and I recognise, that from time to time, families need a helping hand.

“Investing in the fantastic organisations that work across Kent with our mums and dads through pregnancy and the very early years with issues such as infant feeding and mental health puts us a step closer to achieving our goals.

"We want all Kent children to have the best start in life and no parent who is struggling with their mental health because of the pressures of expecting, and then caring for a very young baby, to suffer in silence. I urge businesses, charities and community groups to apply.”

Applications for both grants are open until 11.59pm tomorrow (Friday, January 19).

If you have any questions about either grant, please email phbusinesssupport@kent.gov.uk for help with your queries.