VOLUNTARY groups are being urged to bid for a slice of a £7.3million fund to help the unemployed.

Waltham Forest Borough Council wants groups to apply for part of The London Councils' European Social Fund (ESF) to help people back into work.

The fund is to aimed to get the unemployed into work by focussing on helping groups such as parents of disabled children, older people, homeless people and those with mental health needs who are having difficulty finding jobs.

Cllr Terry Wheeler, Waltham Forest’s cabinet member for investment and enterprise, said: “We all know that every penny counts at the moment and this applies to the voluntary sector as much as any other.

“I’d urge any Waltham Forest-based charities working to improve the skills and prospects of local people to take advantage of this unique opportunity."

The deadline for applications is 12 noon on November 2, and projects are expected to run for up to 24 months between April 2010 and March 2012.

For more information and to download an application pack visit www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/grants/esf