Lottery boost for volunteers (From York Press)

Lottery boost for volunteers

8:34am Saturday 14th April 2012 in News By Richard Catton , richard.catton@thepress.co.uk

A LOTTERY grant of £250,000 has been awarded to an organisation which supports and helps to develop voluntary groups throughout York.

York Council for Voluntary Service (York CVS) joined forces with two partner organisations, York Cares and Your Consortium, to secure the windfall which will be used to fund new support services to those who give their time for free to good causes.

The 18 month project, called Making Infrastructure Everyone’s Business, will be launched on Monday and will see nearly 50 representatives from York’s voluntary sector gathered at the Priory Street Centre.

Organisers said the launch will include “new services for front line groups in York”.

York CVS chief executive Angela Portz said: “We know that when times are difficult for the most vulnerable people in our communities, it is often charities they turn to for support.

“This new project brings extra support to help those charities be as strong and sustainable as possible, so they can be there for those residents who need them most.

“Businesses, support organisations and the city council are committed to working together to make this happen”

The funding has also enabled York CVS to appoint a project manger to oversee the initiative.

For more information on the launch go to www.yorkcvs.org.uk Meanwhile, another York organisation has benefited from the latest round of lottery grants.

Caring Expressions is celebrating after being handed £5,500 from the Big Lottery Fund and said it will use the cash to provide two free courses for family carers of people with learning disabilities. Funding for the course has also been provided by York Vikings Rotary Club.