Worcestershire County Council is releasing £750,000 of funds over a three-year period to support its voluntary and community sector.

The funding will be used to help voluntary organisations become more sustainable and enable them to more successfully bid for contracts.

Organisations can submit a proposal to the Council’s VCS (voluntary and community sector) unit from 2 April. Support packages are available in HR, financial planning, marketing and start-up advice, and the Council is looking for organisations and consultants with experience in the not-for-profit sector to come forward and register with it to deliver these packages.

Suzy James, the Council’s VCS co-ordinator, said in a statement: “These new support packages offer a good opportunity for providers and I urge interested parties to get involved in helping us deliver this new service.”

Conservative councillor John Campion, Worcestershire' cabinet member for localism and communities, added: "The county council is keen to support organisations in the VCS sector and has demonstrated its commitment by setting aside this significant amount. The new process is intended to make it easier and more straightforward for frontline services to access the support they need.”

Any interested providers who want more information can visit the County Council's eTendering portal or call the VCS coordinator on 01905 728 650.