LOCAL organisations have to the middle of January to apply for a share of four different European Union funding streams.

Until January 15 there is a total pot of £3.5m of European Social Funding for a range of schemes that focus on improving employment opportunities, promoting social inclusion and investing in skills with dedicated events being held to explain the opportunities available.

Funding is available for projects which include the Integration of Young People - Worcestershire Apprenticeship Hub and Clearing House Expansion (projects targeting assistance to promote and engage young people under the age of 24 years old in apprenticeships), Access to Employment for Jobseekers and Inactive People in Worcestershire LEP Area (projects to support target groups with multiple barriers to access employment opportunities through the provision of tailored support), Enhancing Equal Access to Lifelong Learning - Succession Leadership and Management Planning (projects to support the future growth of local businesses in Worcestershire and the productivity of the workforce) and Enhancing Equal Access to Lifelong Learning - Upskill Worcestershire (for people who want to improve their work and career opportunities through advanced and/or transferable skills development or retraining).

Worcestershire County Council and Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership in partnership with Vestia Community Trust, Community First and Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, are also hosting two information events related to these current ESF calls to help local organisations understand the opportunities available. These will be held on Thursday, December 8 from 12.30-2.30pm at The Community Housing Group’s offices in Foley Grove, Stourport Road, Kidderminster and on Tuesday, December 13 from 11am-1pm at County Hall, Worcester. Places must be booked in advance by contacting Worcestershire Business Central by phoning 01905 677888 or emailing info@business-central.co.uk .

Gary Woodman, chief executive of Worcestershire LEP said: “These four European social funds will provide crucial support within the county to develop skills, improve employment opportunities and promote social inclusion. This is a great opportunity for local organisations to provide these services and I would encourage interested parties to contact Worcestershire Business Central to book a place at one of the two information events at the earliest opportunity to understand the local support available to access this funding.”