VOLUNTARY groups that tackle social exclusion in Worcestershire and Herefordshire will be in Malvern on Tuesday (January 11) to bid for a slice of European funding.

Outreach worker Rosemary Collie will be listening to representations from more than 20 groups at her Community First office in Church Street as she determines which will qualify for the grant aid.

"Most of the funding granted to voluntary groups to tackle social exclusion and encourage development and training comes through the Learning and Skills Council (LSC)," she explained.

"But some groups which don't satisfy the LSC's criteria for funding might still be eligible for European money.

"We've had approaches from groups like Headway, which helps people with acquired brain injuries. Some of the less severely injured might have the opportunity to get back to work and Headway helps them with things like confidence building, computer training and other things.

"However, because the training they give is not for a recognised qualification like a GNVQ, it doesn't qualify for funding from the LSC.

"But there might be an opportunity for it to get funding from elsewhere in Europe.

"I will be advising groups whether they qualify for help and, if so, how to go about bidding for it."

Miss Collie declined to identify the groups which are definitely attending but said that any voluntary group or organisation interested in finding out whether money is available, should contact her on 01684 580860.