Voluntary groups in Braintree district are being urged to use a new service offering help and advice with recruiting helpers, raising funds and administration.

Called Braintree District Voluntary Support Agency, the organisation will also be able to help individuals who need to be put in touch with community groups.

The agency has been set up by voluntary groups and is appointing a co-ordinator to start next month.

Chairman, Jean Stock, said it would make it easier for people to get the right help and advice on a variety of issues.

"When you have a disability, serious illness, major family problems or feel strongly about community or environmental issues, it makes a huge difference to know people who can help," she said.

"It's also about providing a forum for groups to exchange ideas and interests. We feel that their point of view should be represented in areas like primary care groups and the council."

The agency is currently using Braintree District Council as a base, but hopes to get its own building by making a bid for National Lottery funding.

"We hope to be able to have a centre for finding volunteers and matching them up with where they are needed," said Mrs Stock.

Anyone who runs a voluntary group and would like to make contact with the agency can call Jean Stock on 01376 346208 or secretary Debra Pattinson at Braintree District Council on 01376 551414, ext 2316

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.