Nineteen projects to support the most vulnerable and excluded people in Swindon's community have found out they are to get a slice of £1.2 million of European cash.

The money has been unlocked thanks to a successful bid by Swindon Borough Council on behalf of Swindon's social support agencies. All the cash is being match-funded by the council, doubling the handout to £2.4 million.

The European Social Fund money, which will be available from April and released gradually over the next three years, will enable established Swindon charities and organisations to put new proposals into action.

Even though Swindon's unemployment rate is still well below two per cent, the funds will help bring new opportunities to a hardcore element who have been unable to find work in the town.

Jan Godwin from the Alcohol Advisory Centre, one of the recipients, said: "We are running a part-time pilot project to help people back into employment by teaching them life skills and to allow them to improve their confidence.

"This money will help us to run the service full-time which is great news."

The projects, which will run across the whole borough, will provide assistance to lone parents, those affected by domestic violence, people with learning difficulties, older people who are unemployed, people with disabilities and those in poor health.

Other beneficiaries include those who face particular problems getting work through having poor or no qualifications, a criminal record, a drug or alcohol dependency and 14 to 17-year-olds who are homeless.

Projects will be linked to existing services and those offered by the employment service in the borough.

Practical assistance will be offered through training in computer and business skills, counselling, basic skills training and confidence development.

Support to the successful applicant organisations will be offered evenly in terms of payment for staff hours, travel cards, creche facilities and other items such as teaching materials, office equipment, publicity and postage.

Councillor Barrie Thompson, (Lab, Parks) lead member for Partnerships and Equalities, said: "The funding will ensure that more people in Swindon have the chance to benefit from the growth economy in the town and the many employment opportunities it has to offer.

"The money will be used to support individuals who are unemployed, or in unsuitable employment but who are often hidden within Swindon's successful economy."