Mernet launched its International Networking Programme last month, with a view to strengthen its communication and relations with the community and voluntary sector organisations as well as individual researchers and campaigners. The programme aims to provide free advice, information, guidance, training and mentoring services to the groups in the region. Estelle Heimann, coordinator of the newly-launched International Networking Programme, said that the Management Committee of Mernet, in close cooperation with the Steering Committee of the organisation, developed the programme following a comprehensive analysis and planning period since the early summer this year. She added that the first bulk of invitations were sent in the first week of November and the rapid response from the recipients from all parts of the Mediterranean increased the hope of a strong and close cooperation in the region. She said that the level of interest in the new networking programme also increased Mernet's enthusiasm and firm commitment for the provision of the support services in the region: “The level of response we promptly received from the invited groups assured Mernet that a strong network of communication was a vital need for the community and voluntary sector organisations across the whole of the region. Since the day of our first mail shot, we have been receiving filled in application forms almost on a daily basis.” Estelle went on to say that the International Networking Programme aimed to provide the participating organisations and individuals the opportunity of benefiting from a wide range of services. She said that, after a lengthy survey and analysis since summer, the following services were identified as the most demanded support services for the applicant groups: • General advice on skill and capability building resources; • The provision of training opportunities for the members in their country or abroad; • Receipt of copies of Mernet reports, regular email news updates and copies of Mernet’s newsletter, “Mernet News”; • Participation in meetings, training sessions, projects and international events organised or supported by Mernet. Estelle pointed out that many groups also expressed their expectations for services on numerous issues with national and regional scope, including the following: • Access to information and literature about the regional issues that are published in other countries including the neighbouring Mediterranean countries; • Establishing and maintaining contacts with the Mediterranean community groups outside the region. The Programme will also provide the general population in Brighton and Hove, in particular to the members of the Mediterranean community, a number of opportunities such as: • Establishing contacts with the community and voluntary organisations; • Receiving direct news and information from the organisations about their local and national activities; • Volunteer and internship opportunities in the Mediterranean countries. Mernet’s International Networking Programme is currently supported by a team of three volunteers on a rotating basis. Anyone interested in working as a volunteer at the Programme desk, with a minimum commitment of three half days per week, can apply by sending a copy of their CV/resume, expression of interest and their availability during the week, to Mernet Volunteers Desk at: volunteering@mernet.org Groups who wish to join the Programme can request a copy of the info pack with membership application form by sending an email message to: info@mernet.org