Anyone in the Douglas area who would like funding to start a community project will be able to find help through the latest LinC initiative.

LinC, which stands for 'Leadership in the Community', was established last year by The Children’s Centre charity in conjunction with Friends Provident International.

This year, people in the Douglas area will have a chance to get involved when a new LinC programme launches on Wednesday 4th November at The Children’s Centre on Woodbourne Road (starting at 6.30pm).

LinC aims to help anyone aged 16 or over looking to make a make a positive, voluntary contribution to their community.  Coaching and leadership skills all form part of the tuition package.

The programme has already assisted a wide range of projects in the north, south and west of the Island, each in its own way answering a real community need.

These have included a new children’s play session, the setting up of regular coffee mornings for people short of neighbourly support and open days to promote the local scouting movement.

"It could be a new community project idea that you’ve got or maybe you want help and advice about putting life back into an existing activity. These are the sort of ideas we want to hear about," said The Children Centre’s Community Development Manager Janet Bailey.

Whilst the 12-week course gets underway on 4th November, The Children’s Centre is advising would-be participants to fill and return application forms ahead of the start date.

"If people have ideas requiring LinC support, then they can contact us straightaway for a registration form but anyone turning up on the night will also be very welcome," said Janet.

If you would like to enrol for the Douglas LinC Programme, application forms are available from The Children’s Centre in Woodbourne Road or from the National Sports Centre.

Alternatively, contact Janet Bailey on 676076 or by email janetbailey@thechildrenscentre.org.im