COMMUNITY and voluntary groups in Pendle have a new support worker.

Pendle Partnership is funding Jamil Mohammed who is being employed by Pendle Council.

His job is to support community & voluntary groups, campaigning for their needs and helping them link with other regeneration activities supported by Pendle Partnership. He is also involved in distributing up to £20,000 of community chest grants to community and voluntary groups.

He is particularly keen to involve ethnic minority groups and hopes he will be able to support the development of a more vibrant community of voluntary organisations working together with statutory organisations to help make life better in Pendle through regeneration.

He said: "I am delighted to be doing this vitally important job. Community and voluntary sectors have a big part to play in improving the quality of life for people in Pendle. I will do whatever I can to support links between the community and voluntary sectors and the statutory sector. I hope to get everyone working together effectively for Pendle."

PArtnership chairman Dennis Mendoros said: "Pendle Partnership wants to reach out and involve voluntary and community sector organisations in our work, that is why we are funding this important post."

Jamil's first task is to oversee the distribution of grants of up to £2,000 from Pendle Partnership's Community Chest for small community and voluntary organisations including new and emerging organisations and youth groups.

The cash will pay for local groups learn new skills, attend training courses, events and workshops, purchase small items of equipment and fund work that will help the groups to become more sustainable.

Political or religious activities and fundraising consultancy fees are not eligible for grants. Other groups should check their eligibility with Jamil.

The grants are available to most community and voluntary organisations in Pendle who can demonstrate practical benefits to residents in Brierfield, Colne (Waterside & Vivary Bridge wards) and Nelson (Bradley & Whitefield wards).

Groups showing how they are contributing towards Pendle Partnership's objectives are more likely to be successful with their application. Pendle Partnerships objectives include social inclusion, environmental improvement, community safety, economic development, lifelong learning, and health & housing improvements.

The Pendle Community Chest has £16,000 available this year. Most grants will be less than £500, although grants of up to £2,000 may be awarded.

Jamil said: "We hope these grants will boost the organisations and groups who are working to make central Nelson and Brierfield better places."

Application packs from Jamil on 01282 661 963 or email jamil.mohammed@pendle.gov.uk