THOUSANDS of pounds of council cash have been set aside to help local voluntary groups provide social care. Social Services chiefs have budgeted £26,000 to help fund both voluntary and community groups. The cash, awarded through a grant system, will meet their costs such as buying equipment, hiring rooms and paying expenses to voluntary staff.

The one-off payments will be made to groups who provide a help to individuals such as children with special needs, people with mental health problems and the elderly. Priority will be given to groups based in the Bolton borough.

A council spokesman said: "To qualify for a grant, groups must be local and providing a social care service. Their activities must reflect the aims and objectives of the Social Services Department.

"The amount of payment will depend on the benefit the service brings to the community. Decisions about who qualifies for a grant will be made in July."

Application forms are available from: Bob Bradley, Provider Development Officer, Social Services Department, Le Mans Crescent, Bolton, BL1 1SA or telephone 01204 522311 ext 7226. Forms must be returned by Monday, June 1, to be considered for a grant.

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