(Cab Office) Liam Byrne to give campaigning charities £750,000

Campaigning is a way to get people's voices heard this new fund will encourage them to speak up.

Liam Byrne, Minister for the Cabinet Office, today announced the first ever government programme to strengthen the ability of charities and other third sector organisations to campaign for change. The £750,000 scheme will identify and promote innovative ways for the third sector to act as a strong voice specifically for the most disadvantaged people in society.

Liam Byrne, Minister for the Cabinet Office:
"Our charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises have never had a stronger voice - and we want them speak up even more. This programme will help charities working with some of the most vulnerable people in society to make their voice heard. It will also help develop the most innovative approaches, and will benefit the whole sector.

"In the times of rapid economic change, government needs to hear from organisations who are working hard to bring about positive changes in our communities."

This is Neil Adams, a member of Cambridge speaking up Youth Parliament:
"People have got a right to campaign about issues and get involved "

The new scheme will be run by Capacitybuilders, a non-departmental public body charged with developing the strengths of third sector organisations.

The new programme will be developed and delivered over two years, with packages of grants and support services to be provided to up to 30 groups.