Need some free professional help?

ProHelp is a scheme run by Business in the Community under which a group of local professional firms have agreed to provide free services to voluntary and community groups in their area.

The Derby ProHelp group includes solicitors, accountants, marketing and PR firms, surveyors and architects who will undertake one-off projects for voluntary groups. For example, these could take the form of conducting a feasibility study, helping with a business plan, legal or accounting advice or property valuation. To access ProHelp you must be:

• a community-based, not-for profit group working for the social regeneration of your local area;
• able to demonstrate a successful track record of working with your community; and
• able to prove that you don't have the funds to pay for professional assistance or obtain it by other means.

( Call Ann Hilton, ProHelp Co-ordinator for the Derby and Nottingham area on 0115 911 6666 for more information and an application form. ProHelp's website is www.prohelp.org.uk or you can contact Nick Meakin at Derby CVS on 01332 227708 to discuss if your project may be eligible.

The ProHelp programme has also co-developed a new website containing information and advice for voluntary and community organisations looking for professional help.

www.professionals4free.org.uk offers a searchable database of brokers of free professional services, an information centre with case studies, 'how to' guides and a frequently asked questions section. This explains what brokers are, the pros and cons of using them and what different professions can offer voluntary groups.

(from Network News, July/August 2003)