A GOVERNMENT minister has been given first hand experience of a project in Melbourne.

Nick Hurd, Minister for Civil Society, visited clubs in the area last Thursday to witness the work of the Melbourne Project.

The project is run by Sister Margaret and Sister Moira, members of the Community of Canonesses of the Holy Sepulchre.

It was set up seven years ago and initially run from their front room to provide help and support to people in the local area.

Funding has been secured from the Essex Community Foundation.

This has enabled an expansion of its services to include a homework club, mother and toddler group, an older person’s club, holiday activities and a cookery project.

Sister Moira said: “We are thrilled the Minister is so quickly prioritising gaining first-hand experience of grassroots projects which work to support the most vulnerable people in our society.

“We hope his visit will lead to greater insight into the situations of people living on the margins – on estates like ours – throughout the country.

“We hope this will be one step towards building policies which are effective in creating a more just society.”

Mr Hurd said: “The Melbourne Project is a really impressive community organisation.

“It provides help and support, tailored to the needs of the local area.

“It is a great example of how a voluntary-run organisation can make a real difference to the community.”

The Minister also chaired a round table discussion at the local Council for Voluntary Services and ended the day with a tour of the Meadows Shopmobility and Community Exch-ange, in Market Square.