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Real Help for Communities: Volunteers, Charities and Social EnterprisesReal Help for Communities: Volunteers, Charities and Social Enterprises

This is a Government action plan outlining a £42.5 million support package, to help the third sector to deliver extra real help to those that need it most during the global economic downturn.

The Action Plan, which has been designed in consultation with the third sector, builds on the wide range of measures the Government has put in place to support people through the economic downturn, and on the Government’s long term commitment to voluntary organisations, charities and social enterprises.

It includes measures to help hundreds of third sector organisations step up advice, support and volunteering in the areas that need it most across the country.

All programmes included in the Action Plan, including the Modernisation Fund, will be delivered in line with the following principles:

    •Helps achieve economic growth, equality and social mobility
    •Delivers real help now and in the future for individuals, families and communities
    •Ensures as many resources as possible are directed into frontline services
    •Encourages third sector organisations to work together to provide help now and in the future
    •Provides a rapid response to current and emerging needs

As well as the £16.5 million Modernisation Fund, the Action Plan includes the following measures:

    •Up to £10 million investment in a volunteer brokerage scheme for unemployed people. This will create over 40,000 opportunities for people to learn new skills and give back to communities through volunteering.
    •The £15.5 million Real Help for Communities: Targeted Support Fund will provide grant funding to small and medium providers in communities most at risk of increased deprivation due to the recession. This is in addition to the £130 million already committed to small grants to community groups under the Grassroots Grants programme.
    •£0.5 million investment in the School for Social Entrepreneurs to expand its action-learning programme to support social entrepreneurs.

For more information about the Action Plan please visit www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third_sector/real_help_for_communities.aspx