ETHNIC minority communities are set to benefit from a huge cash boost received by Bolton Community Education Service.

The £53,000 has been awarded as part of a £3.5 million Community Learning Initiative announced this week by Education and Employment Minister Baroness Blackstone.

The Bolton project, which will primarily target Asian communities in Deane, Derby and Daubhill as well as Halliwell, will analyse learning interest among black and Asian adults with learning difficulties and mental health problems and then make provisions to help them.

A project worker is due to be appointed once the scheme launches in April as education bosses believe there are people in the ethnic communities who could benefit from special needs facilities but don't take them up. Much of the work will take place at the 3Ds Learning and Resource Centre on Derby Street, as well as the CES's main base at Clarence Street.

Curriculum Manager at Bolton CES John Clarke said: "Statistics show there are just as many people in the ethnic communities with learning problems as other communities, but the take up for any help is far less. We want to make contact with these people to assess the help they need then put the provisions on they need and this extra cash will help us to do that. We are absolutely delighted at the news of the award."

The cash boost for Bolton is one of seven projects in the North West to win a total of £241,515 from the new Government initiative.

The fund uses activities that matter most to people - such as healthcare, arts and recreation, crime prevention, housing, childcare and the environment - as a context for learning.

Fierce

Baroness Blackstone said: "People have generated imaginative and worthwhile ideas to attract new learners and help them develop skills. Competition for funding has been fierce - nearly 500 bids were received for this round - and I congratulate the projects which have succeeded in meeting the quality and creativity criteria we have set.

"The Fund underlines the Government's belief that everyone should have the opportunity to learn in ways that suit them best. By involving neighbourhood groups in planning and delivering projects, the Fund seeks to encourage a climate of self-help which will ensure a long-lasting impact on individuals and communities. In this way it plays an important part in tackling social exclusion, often adding a learning dimension to activities supported by other sponsors who share this aim."

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