AN organisation in Redditch aiming to boost job prospects for out-of-work residents is urging others to take advantage of a county council fund.

Inspire Community Training & Development is urging groups to apply for a slice of a council support programme designed to back local initiatives.

Inspire, established by Amanda Seabourne and Karen Martin, operates from the Winyates Craft Centre.

Its aim is to help local job seekers back into work by providing a range of training courses such as CV writing and interview techniques through to assertiveness and confidence programmes.

The pair recently applied for, and was successful, in receiving a Changing Futures Fund support package from Worcestershire County Council.

Ms Seabourne said the support was easy to apply for and had already provided invaluable help in getting Inspire off the ground.

She said: "When I first heard about it I thought it would be long and complicated, but it really wasn't.

“The form and pack we received was self-explanatory and easy to complete.

“I would urge all voluntary and community groups to have a look at whether the fund is for them.”

Inspire currently has 18 local job seekers enrolled on courses, which typically last around 10 weeks and consist of two and a half hours per week.

Councillor John Campion, cabinet member for localism and communities, added: “We are keen to promote this fund to voluntary organisations and community groups in Worcestershire.

“If anyone is interested in getting help with developing a new or existing organisation please get in touch with us and find out more.”

For more information, visit worcestershire.gov.uk/voluntary or call on 01905 728650.