SCOUTS, carers and disabled groups from across Rochford will benefit from £23,000 funding boost.

The cash will help ten organisations in a variety of different ways, including funding activities for young people, older people, carers and those with disabilities.

As part of that boost, Rayleigh, Rochford and District Association for Voluntary Service (RRAVS) was handed the lion’s share of £15,000 to support the voluntary and community sector.

Groups supported by RRAVS include Kaos Youth Club, Carers First, Hawkwell Scout group and Rochford Scout group.

Darren Parsons, who runs Kaos Youth Club, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to receive funding support and a bit of acknowledgement of what we’re doing.

“We will use the money to help provide a subsidised activity weekend away for the children.

“It means some who may not have been able to go otherwise will get to enjoy a fun-filled weekend away.”

Louisa Moss, Rochford District Council’s assistant director for community services, said: “We are very happy that despite budget pressures we have still managed to allocate and provide funding to assist these organisations to run their services which support our residents.

“Volunteering is and continues to be a vital part of what keeps our community strong and ensure Rochford District residents remain healthy, safe and confident about their future.

“Volunteers make an enormous contribution to the district and we hope the funding will assist these groups with key-projects which may have been difficult to get up and running if it was not for the voluntary sector grant funding.”

She added: “This funding will benefit all of our residents who use voluntary group services across the district as well as will improve local facilities and benefit some of our most vulnerable residents.”

Victoria Marzouki, partnership and development manager for RRAVS added: “RRAVS are grateful for the support from Rochford District Council which enables us to support groups and residents who need it the most.

“Volunteering in the community is important to us as not only does it make a difference to people’s lives but also enables the people in the community to learn and develop new skills.”

Anyone who wants more information on RRAVS should call 01268 772796.