RESIDENTS in Tilbury could benefit from a programme offering funding to organisations helping people get into work.

The Tilbury community-led local development programme has opened its fourth round of applications.

It is part-subsidised by the European Structural and Investment Fund, aims to back community, private and public sector organisations that support unemployed residents in Tilbury St Chads and Tilbury Riverside and Thurrock Park wards who are facing considerable barriers to getting into work.

The Tilbury programme, which has successfully run three rounds of grants, is a £4.4million programme running until March 2022. Interested organisations must submit a short eligibility questionnaire by Sunday, 8 November 2020 and the deadline for fourth round applications is Sunday, 22 November 2020.

Cllr Deb Huelin, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: "The community is right at the heart of this initiative which has already seen some exciting results since it was first developed.

"The programme works with organisations to create tailored and accessible support to residents in Tilbury who need help to overcome some of the key barriers to employment. Six organisations have had bids approved so far, and four projects are already underway.

"Together, the organisations are working with more than a thousand local residents to help them into education, jobs and training.

"Tilbury, as one of the borough's growth hubs, is playing an important part in the huge regeneration that Thurrock is undergoing. This programme will ensure those who live in Tilbury will have the skills they need to benefit from employment opportunities being created."

For further details and to complete the eligibility questionnaire, visit the Stronger Together website.