AN investment package is aiming to help the Big Society become a reality in Great Yarmouth, providing cash and support to voluntary groups and local residents.

A number of services provided by the voluntary sector, such as a drop-in centre for vulnerable people and access to volunteering, are to be given �100,000 by the borough council.

The support will help organisations and services before further funding becomes available.

The council’s Neighbourhood Management projects, Comeunity, Make it Happen, and MESH link-in with other public services and voluntary sector organisations to support local residents.

The funding will enable these neighbourhood management services to operate for another year.

A further �50,000 will be available to kick-start projects that contribute to the Big Society and provide advice for people who want to get involved.

Borough council leader Barry Coleman said: “Great Yarmouth Borough Council is proud of the services that are provided to voluntary organisations and volunteers.

“Listening to our local residents, we know that these services make a big difference to people’s lives and we want to maintain and build upon that relationship.

“By working together, local residents, voluntary organisations, entrepreneurs and the council are all helping to make the Big Society a reality in Great Yarmouth.”

Great Yarmouth Community Trust chief executive Andrew Forrest said: “The support of Great Yarmouth Borough Council has been critical in supporting our voluntary sector consortium to make a step change towards the Government’s work programme by lobbying on our behalf and committing to invest in the work we have bid for.”