Mactaggart: Cash for communities

Fiona Mactaggart has announced details of extra funding to boost involvement in voluntary projects across England.

Detailing the £4 million cash boost, the charities minister said it would be used to encourage local people to take part in community projects.

Some 59 schemes will receive a share of the cash, which is being made available from the Home Office's volunteer recruitment fund.

The grants will be used to recruit more local volunteers for voluntary services, disability charities and black and ethnic minority organisations.

Mactaggart said that community engagement could transform lives, to the benefit of all local people.

"This fund aims to boost tried and tested types of volunteering - especially group volunteering," she said.

"Over half of the grant recipients will focus particularly on outreach volunteering - releasing the talents of people who traditionally may not have been attracted to volunteering.

"The aim is to transform people from having problems and difficulties to being in a position to help others."

She added that the groups receiving the funding were already providing important support and service to their communities.

"Promoting volunteering at the grassroots is vital not only for a healthy democracy but also for the many people who depend on voluntary and community organisations," the minister said.

"These grants send a clear message that everyone has something to offer."