e-Learning project launched by Community Foundation as part of Telford Pulling Together project

Andrew McNamara has joined the Community Foundation for Shropshire and Telford, based on Old Potts Way in Shrewsbury, as the project manager of the e-learning project.

The 22-year-old will create a step by step on-line guide for people to watch and follow as they fill out forms for grants available through charities such as the Community Foundation.

Mr McNamara, from Whitchurch, has embarked on the project after completing his business studies degree at Bangor University in North Wales.

He hopes to become the sixth generation of his family to represent his country in the forces when he joins the Army next year.

The Community Foundation is one of six partners involved in the Telford Pulling Together project launched by CVS Telford and Wrekin.

Mr McNamara said: “I wanted to contribute to Shropshire charities and this is a perfect way to do this.

“The work of the Community Foundation makes a huge difference to the people living in areas across the county.

“The pot of money is there and grants are there but people often find it difficult to complete the forms correctly so I hope this e-learning project will make the process easier for people.”

Mr McNamara urged people to approach them for help if they wanted to apply for cash to make a difference in their community or if they wanted to see if they were eligible for anything.

“We want to dispel the myth that it’s hard to get grants – they are there and can be accessed but it is about getting the right information and matching up the right grant,” he said.

“This has already developed into a very interesting project where I have been able to bring my skills and expertise to the charity.

“It is also a good knowledge to gain for my future as I may want to access grants at some point in the future.”