A recently-merged charity is to operate with a number of network partners following the landing of a new contract, it has been revealed.

Rainer Crime Concern is to provide guidance to those operating in youth charities, on issues such as commissioning processes and funding opportunities as part of the Youth Sector Development Fund operated by the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

And in working with network partners PrimeTimers, Ecotec and Business to Business, Rainer Crime Concern will also provide third sector organisations with training and mentoring services.

Fran Pollard, assistant director at Rainer Crime Concern, said: "Through this exciting partnership we can bring some of our expertise in this area to bear."

She added "there is a big challenge" in the third sector to help make procurement and commissioning processes more accessible to voluntary groups and charities.

Rainer Crime Concern launched at the start of July following a merger between Crime Concern and Rainer.

In other news, it was recently revealed that Devon Community Foundation has been awarded some £180,000 to help smaller third sector groups in the county forge links between different communities and get to grips with social exclusion.

More about network partners.