Eastleigh Borough Council has enlisted the help of charity Community First to boost support for local voluntary groups and charities.

The partnership, launching in April, aims to amplify the benefit of community work within the region by providing expert guidance to voluntary groups and focusing on increasing volunteer numbers.

They will also assist these groups in achieving additional external funding through specialist training and guidance in areas such as improving business planning, reviewing governance, and promoting collaborative working.

Priority areas for the venture include promoting volunteer opportunities within the Borough and emphasising collaboration with firms focused on addressing loneliness, social isolation and health and wellbeing concerns.

Tim Houghton, Chief Executive of Community First, said: “We’re excited by this new opportunity to partner with Eastleigh Borough Council and to support Eastleigh’s flourishing voluntary sector.

“Strong local voluntary organisations and charities are needed more than ever as we look to support and complement our local authorities and we will do all we can to help groups access the funding they need, mobilise more volunteers, and work together to deliver support for those who need it most throughout Eastleigh.”

Councillor Paul Bicknell, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration (north) and Social Policy, said: “Voluntary groups and charities, and the people who devote their time to supporting others, are the lifeblood of our communities in Eastleigh Borough.

“We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Community First to deliver vital services to people who need them in our neighbourhoods. It’s a great example of our mission of Supporting Communities, Improving Lives.”

Community First will become an integral addition to Eastleigh and seek opportunities to co-locate their 'animateur'- a new role aiming to help organisations maximise their potential.

The charity already runs a crucial local community bus service connecting Eastleigh with Chandlers Ford and works in conjunction with health partners, social care and children's services.