ORGANISATIONS in Wyre Forest have received a helping hand in their applications through the Big Lottery Fund.

Representatives from the fund carried out a workshop in Bewdley to provide more than 50 bodies with the necessary confidence and tools to apply for the Awards for All grant.

The grant, which provides funds between £300 and £10,000, is available to voluntary and community groups, charities, not for profit organisations, as well as parish and town councils.

Wyre Forest historically has received below the national average for successful applications to the Big Lottery.

Mark Garnier MP, who organised the workshop at St George’s Hall, believes providing the community event will see an increase in successful bids.

“In my four years as Wyre Forest’s MP, one of the biggest issues that I come across is funding for charities and the third sector,” he said.

“I wanted to be able to help to do something about that and to help the third sector in Wyre Forest.

“The event was a great success and hopefully the attendees will be able to convert what they come away with today into financial support from the Big Lottery.”