European Social Fund in England

Minister launches South West Voluntary Value programme

Ben Bradshaw is on the right.

South West Regional Minister Ben Bradshaw MP launched the region’s new ESF Technical Assistance programme for the voluntary sector at South West Forum’s annual conference in Bournemouth on 26th November.

The programme, Voluntary Value, will be managed by South West Forum which acts as the voice of the voluntary and community sector in the region. Match funding is provided by the South West Regional Development Agency.

South West Forum Chief Executive, Stephen Woollett, was delighted the Minister was able to give his support to the programme. “With over 120 delegates from across the region this was a great opportunity to promote Voluntary Value to a wide audience. We will now be working with a range of partners to help voluntary and community groups in the South West participate fully in the ESF Competitiveness programme and ensure the sector is engaged at a strategic and planning level. Given the economic downturn the work of the sector in addressing employability, worklessness and skills is more critical than ever”.