LOCAL voluntary and community organisations are being invited to apply for Grant Aid.

Wigan Council's Social Services Committee is asking for applications from groups whose work complements the department.

Last year more than £210,000 was paid out in grants - a considerable increase from the previous year.

Chair of the Voluntary Bodies sub-committee, Councillor Maggie Coghlin, said: "We are fortunate in the borough to have a large number of committed volunteers who work within a wide range of groups, enabling our communities to care for themselves.

"The Social Services Department, through the grant aid budget, enables groups to continue and develop the service they provide."

Priority themes this year are:

Improving the quality of life of residents; including projects which increase the effectiveness of existing groups through support, training, access to volunteers and networking; community cafes and those recognising the needs of ethnic minorities.

Enabling people to live independent lives; including access to community transport, home visiting to isolated older people, self help and drop-in groups for people with mental health problems, advice and information services.

Development of new groups, developing ways of consulting with service users, carers, voluntary and the community sector (eg. development of forums, networks and advocacy).

Support and preventative work with children and their families (eg. supporting the development of parenting skills, activities supporting children witnessing violence and support groups/projects for children with disabilities and their families).

For more information or an application form contact the Voluntary Sector Liaison Unit, Social Services Department, Civic Centre, Millgate, Wigan, WN1 1AZ.

Alternatively, call 01942 827172. Closing date for applications is May 28.

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