A GROUP of businesses is today offering its expert services to charities for free.

A GROUP of businesses is today offering its expert services to charities for free.

Suffolk ProHelp, which is made up of 35 businesses from a range of professions including law, web design, marketing, and accountancy, undertakes projects for not-for profit organisations.

The group, which is part of Business in the Community - one of the Prince's Charities that supports firms making a positive impact - was set up in 2001 and last year provided more than �50,000 of free professional advice and support to community groups and voluntary organisations.

Projects have included giving legal advice on the purchase of a lease, a PR programme to raise awareness of holiday homes for people with disabilities and architectural work on the conversion of an existing building.

The work of Suffolk ProHelp ties in with The Evening Star's Fightback Campaign, which backs businesses which are succeeding despite the economic downturn.

Keven Mulley, manager of Suffolk ProHelp, said: “The difficulty is getting across to charities that we are here to help them and it is not going to cost them anything.

“It can really help charities get off the ground or help them with a specific project. It is for organisations that don't have any money to pay for professional help.

“I think this would appeal to charities which are struggling for professional advice or getting projects off the ground. It really is without payment.”

The group currently has seven projects on the go but is looking for more.

To be eligible the charity must be based in Suffolk and have a project with set goals.

If you are a charity or a non-profit making organisation and need some help, e-mail Keven Mulley at kevenmulley@dsl.pipex.com or call 01473 725613.

Have you got a story of how your business is fighting back? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.