Community Action Northumberland (CAN) has appointed a new member of staff to look after the interests of voluntary groups and neighbourhoods in Alnwick and Amble.

Julia Plinston, from Rothbury, is the newest community development officer for CAN and she is keen to hear from anyone who would like to find out what support and help she can give.  She is currently making contact with parish councils and community and voluntary groups in the two towns and surrounding areas.

Julia was born in Kent but came to the North East in 1991 where she has had several jobs within the community, helping older people, disabled people and those with mental health problems.   From 2000 she was the manager of the regional Parkinson’ Disease Society.

This entailed setting up or assisting support groups or branches, campaigning for more nurses and raising the profile of this illness and the work of the society.

Julia’s home has been in Rothbury, since she came north, and she says that her latest job will allow her to live and work in a part of the country that has become one of her favourite places.

“I am making contact with the people who can use the services that CAN provides and am looking forward to the new challenges,” she said.  “I enjoy finding solutions to problems and there is a wide range of issues in the rural area that I can help with.   I may be able to assist with grant applications, parish plans and the new Hallmark scheme for village and community halls, as well as many other things.”

Julia can be contacted, Monday to Thursday, on 01665 605540, or at The Centre, at 27 Fenkle Street, Alnwick.