A MEMBER of the European Parliament visited Maldon on Friday to see the work of a voluntary group helping people get back into employment.
The Moat East Residents' Association, based in the town's High Street, is run by a team of volunteers who work with the unemployed, helping them brush up on the skills needed to get back out into the world of work.
After the project was awarded a £1,500 grant from European Social Funds, MEP Richard Howitt, saw at first hand how the money is being spent.
He said: "The Moat East Residents' Association was awarded £1,500 from Europe to help volunteers provide job skills and support for local people and housing association residents.
"The scheme provides help to bolster confidence and develop job-seeking skills for volunteers, carers and particularly disadvantaged individuals.
"Anyone who calls into the resource centre can expect help with general questions, developing skills and there is always someone there to talk it all through with them."
Pat Hunt, from Maldon, volunteers at the scheme's resource centre. She helps other residents who are struggling to find work.
She said: "I found the training very useful. Everyone who attended enjoyed it and our trainer was brilliant."
The European Social Fund is one of the European Union's structural funds, set up to reduce differences in wealth and living standards across the EU.
It also aims to promote employment across Europe.
Greg Taylor, Moat's acting chief executive, said: "At Moat we provide more than just homes, and challenging worklessness by providing employment and training support is a huge part of what we do.
"This grant allowed us to better equip the team of hard-working and dedicated volunteers in Maldon with the necessary skills to support local people developing their skills, and accessing work."
