VOLUNTARY groups are set to get a big boost thanks to a £750,000 fund.

Worcestershire County Council's Changing Futures Fund has received 169 applications to the fund with a range of voluntary and community groups finding the support invaluable for their future planning.

Changing Futures was set up as part of the council's commitment to supporting the voluntary and community sector (VCS).

The types of support packages include areas like human resources, financial planning, marketing, start-up advice and new ways of working.

So far 19 organisations have taken up the New Ways of Working package which is provided by the fund.

Cllr Lucy Hodgson, cabinet member for localism and communities, said: "We set up the Changing Futures Fund to enable the voluntary sector to gain new skills for the benefit of their whole community."

For more information about the Changing Futures Fund visit worcestershire.gov.uk/voluntary and then click on 'Changing Futures Fund' or call Suzy James, VCS Co-ordinator on 01905 728650 or email cff@worcestershire.gov.uk .