A DEVON County Council funded website is continuing to attract interest among those who work in the community to recognise and help those who may be socially excluded. www.openheartsopenminds.org.uk

A DEVON County Council funded website is continuing to attract interest among those who work in the community to recognise and help those who may be socially excluded.

www.openheartsopenminds.org.uk is a social inclusion e-learning centre, keeping professionals and those who work with vulnerable groups in touch with news, tips and tools to help them to tackle social exclusion.

The aim of the website is to help people understand why people experience forms of hardship, deprivation and discrimination, and how the impact of that experience can lead to social exclusion. It addresses inequalities arising from issues like illiteracy, age, ethnicity, gender, health status, sexual orientation, by sharing articles and fact sheets explaining who is at risk and why, and, what happens when life events can make people vulnerable.

In addition to the information on the website, a free monthly e-news bulletin is emailed those using the site. The articles and resources in the bulletin encourage readers to do whatever they can - even if it's a simple gesture like supporting an older or learning disabled customer at your till to work out how to count out their change if they're struggling.

Anyone who is interested can look at the website at www.openheartsopenminds.org.uk and sign up for the e-new bulletin.