Engage West Cornwall is currently match funding 25 projects aimed at improving lives in local communities.

To deliver this latest round of Government Single Regeneration Budget funding - SRB6 - the organisation has embarked on a programme entitled "Engage Neighbourhoods".

Acting on behalf of the South West of England Regional Development Agency, Engage is continuing to distribute funds over the next two years to groups in the Kerrier and Penwith Districts and the Penwerris Ward of Falmouth. To date, £3,617,224 of that total has been allocated.

"The programme is aimed particularly at individuals, groups and neighbourhoods who, for whatever reason, have found it difficult or impossible to become involved in community activities and take advantage of social opportunities," says Anne Nicholls of Engage.

"With advice and funding from Engage, people of all ages and backgrounds are working together on a range of exciting projects. What is being seen as a result is improved conditions for local people, better chances when it comes to training and employment, and a general increase in community activity and pride."

The list of projects approved to date includes: nursery, play and youth sport facilities; training in areas as diverse as childcare and building construction; a minibus scheme; restoration of buildings essential to community life; provision of information, advice and health centres; credit unions to help establish businesses which benefit local people; and 'capacity building' work to increase people's active involvement in their communities.

Highest priority has been given to areas of the county identified by research as being in greatest need. Applications are still invited and must be made through a community group, such as a residents' association, housing trust, voluntary body, charity or youth organisation. Engage can contribute up to 50 per cent of a project's cost but matching funds must be sought from other sources. Engage is ready and willing to advise on this and to give a quick reply on whether an idea is eligible.

"Over the coming months and years, people in West Cornwall will hear a lot about the projects Engage is helping," says AnneNicholls. "We are very keen to make people aware that large amounts of SRB money are being pumped into the communities, that very positive changes are being made as a result and that none of this would be possible without funding of this kind. It's vital that people should use, appreciate and get involved with the facilities and services it brings. That's the best way of ensuring that Government funds continue to be made available to the area."