The CAS Project Launch, which took place on 13th November at the CHESS building in Camp Hill, Nuneaton has been hailed a massive success.  The CAS special event took place to showcase what's on offer to those in voluntary or community groups who get landed with the book keeping.

The service is headed up by Manager, Veronica Ledbrooke.  She said "The money from the Big Lottery has been brilliant.  It has really pushed the project forward.  It has enabled us to employ a Finance Trainer, Paula Wilson.  She has been busy running workshops and has been a great help organising the launch.  I'm really pleased with the way the event was received by everyone who was there".  The launch was well supported by people who use the service and local dignitaries, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Nuneaton and Bedworth, Councillor Gerald Smith and Mrs Sheila Billingham and the Deputy Mayor of North Warwickshire, Councillor John Moore and Mrs Michelle Moore.  Councillors from Warwickshire County Council were also in attendance.

"Count on us" is the first project of its kind in North Warwickshire and Nuneaton and Bedworth.  The team have been supported by the National Network of Community Accountancy Services in the UK. Chairman of the organisation John O'Brien made a speech at the launch.  He said "It is such a good thing that something like this is starting up in the area.  I'm absolutely convinced this is of real value.  It is so important that the local voluntary and community sector have financial management support.  It's not something many organisations find very easy.  I believe better financial management in the community, in turn, will give better services back to the community".

Finance Trainer, Paula Wilson, has already held one very successful free workshop.  Avinash Pala, a volunteer with Camp Hill Radio, benefited from the session "It was really good." he said, "As a result of the workshop which covered five main finance topics, I am now in a position to do basic accounts for the community radio.  It wasn't as frightening as I thought it was going to be.  The team are great - they are always there if I need a bit of support".

Amongst the guests at the launch was Labour Party Parliamentary Candidate, Jayne Innes, who fully supports the service "I think it is fantastic, I've worked with charities in my working life, helping them connect to their user groups.  I know that a lot of organisations would have taken advantage of a facility like this sooner, if there had been one.  I wish it every success".