Volunteer group gets £30,000 training boost (From Brentwood Weekly News)

Volunteer group gets £30,000 training boost

7:00am Monday 18th March 2013 in News

A MENTORING group has been given £30,000 to train volunteers for support projects in Brentwood.

Inspiration Youth Call, based in Basildon, received the grant funding through Essex County Council’s Family Innovation Fund which will pay for the Brentwood Connect scheme.

The project will provide training for volunteers who will help give peer support to families in the borough.

Staff from the group are looking to recruit people for the scheme, particularly those who have battled through personal challenges themselves.

Chief executive Ayo Oshunremi said he was happy to be in a position to help residents in Brentwood overcome obstacles in their lives.

He added: “I am incredibly pleased for Inspiration Youth Call to be working with local communities in Brentwood.

“We are excited to be offering opportunities to local people to gain skills through volunteering and empower them to make a real difference in their community.

“Brentwood Connect will continue and extend the work we are already doing in Essex, inspiring young people and their families.”

Ray Gooding, county councillor responsible for childrens services, said the authority is also pleased to be able to fund a scheme like this.

He said: “Brentwood Connect is an exciting project that really delivers what we wanted the Family Innovations Fund to achieve.

“The fund has been designed to support Essex County Council’s wider work to provide the best outcomes for children and families in the county.

“I am delighted we have been able to work with and provide funding to the voluntary and community sector for these innovative projects across the county.”

Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Olivia McLennan or Lade Oshunremi on 01268 920080 or 08000 803046, or e-mail brentwoodconnect@inspirationyouthcall.com