Volunteers are being sought for a new project aimed at improving communications with different elements of the community.

The scheme in the Bradford Trident area, which covers BD5 postcodes - roughly the Park Lane, Marshfields and West Bowling areas - wants people to take part in the new Local Links programme.

Local Links is led by Common Purpose, which aims to create more effective local and community networks by connecting up workers, activists and volunteers from local organisations.

Susie Hay, associate programme director of Common Purpose, said: "The emphasis is on an informal get-together for local people, to get to grips with local issues. It breaks down barriers, so people provide mutual support for each other."

Common Purpose has developed a range of programmes designed to help people to be better leaders. In Bradford the Local Links Project, funded by the social charity the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, has run programmes in Heckmondwike and Shipley.

Mrs Hay is looking for people with different backgrounds, interests and skills who care about the BD5 area.

Anyone involved in local decision-making in any way, paid or unpaid, can apply to join the project. Local Links are looking for school governors, teachers responsible for citizenship, people involved in Bradford Trident, housing officers, chairmen of tenants' associations, members of community safety partnership and young people active in a BD5 project or forum.

To get involved with Common Purpose contact Susie Hay at susie.hay@commonpurpose.org.uk or call 07984 871462.

e-mail: ali.davies@bradford.newsquest.co.uk

YOUNG PEOPLE FIND A VOICE

Youth worker Tina Beach, 53, pictured, works with the Bradford City Centre Project, a charity which helps homeless people aged 16 to 25.

She has been involved with the Common Purpose Shipley project since earlier this year. About eight young people from the Bradford City Centre Project have been involved in Common Purpose.

She said: "Young people would never normally go along to something like this and they have found it empowering. It has given them a voice, especially in social housing."

The project has contacted Shipley MP Philip Davies and is campaigning for better housing.

Mrs Beach said: "We need to tell the Government what is wrong in the area, so that something can be done."