A NEW project is being launched with a reggae night at Dorchester’s Corn Exchange.

The South West Dorset Multicultural Network’s Community Contact scheme aims to offer local support for people from different backgrounds.

It is designed to give people from ethnic minorities a point of contact to raise problems with and help them integrate with the local community.

The free Reggae Night is on Friday, October 23, from 7.30pm to 11pm with live DJs.

West Dorset District Council community development officer Emma Scott said: “The Community Contact Project recruits volunteers across West Dorset who are going to be located in the main towns.

“They will work as a first point of call for people from black and ethnic minority groups.

“They are for people who are new to the area and those who have been living there for some time to have a local contact.

“If they have any issues they can go to these volunteers who have received training and have an information pack with lots of useful contacts.

“So it could be if someone want to find out about local events or if they are having problems with discrimination at work – there is someone local they can contact, it’s all about reducing isolation.”

Earlier on the October 23, the South West Dorset Multicultural Network will be holding a special presentation on their new project.

For details contact Emma Scott on 01305 252204.