PEOPLE who have learning disabilities, mental ill-health and autism are to receive extra support to help them communicate.

A grant of £2,000 was awarded by Colne Community Builders to Bright Lives Social Enterprise, based in Colchester.

The money will enable them to train a regional Makaton tutor to work with the adults who attend the centre.

Makaton is similar to sign language and uses a combination of gestures, eye contact and body language.

Michael Jones, chief executive of Bright Lives, said: “Being able to communicate is a vital skill which we all need in life.

“Almost everything we do involves communication, such as shopping, ordering food in a restaurant, sorting out problems, making friends and socialising.

“These activities all rely on our ability to communicate with someone.

“We are delighted to have been awarded this funding as it will help people who struggle with talking, to have a voice.”

The Colne Community Builders Fund is managed by the independent charitable trust Essex Community Foundation (ECF).

Since the Fund was established in 2015 more than £23,000 has been awarded to local charities and voluntary projects which enable independent living.

To apply for the next round of grants click here.