The case studies demonstrate how local groups deliver services for the benefit of their communities. They also show the relationship between local front line groups and organisations which exist to support them. By working together, they ensure sustained benefits in communities

The first five minute film examines the interaction between Zimwomen and Northampton Volunteer Centre (NVC). “Zimwomen is there to empower women, young people and children for a better today and tomorrow”  Rutendo, founder Zimwomen Association

In the second film, the rural isolation of older people is explored through the work of Ticknall Lunch Club, supported by South Derbyshire CVS

The short videos were produced in collaboration with East Midlands Regional Infrastructure Consortium (EMRIC) and East Midlands Infrastructure Steering Group (EMISG),

EMRIC exists to bring together regional third sector infrastructure bodies to collaborate in order to advance regional infrastructure for the benefit of diverse frontline organisations. Made up of infrastructure agencies, it is focused on infrastructure delivery to maximise the help available to frontline voluntary and community sector groups. The consortium is proactively involved in identification of regional capacity building gaps and collaborates with its members to meet the identified need.

EMISG coordinates the work of local county-based organisations. Made up of representatives from third sector infrastructure organisations and funders, the Nottinghamshire Community Foundation and Capacitybuilders, its purpose is to inform and add value to the development of all third sector infrastructure organisations across the East Midlands.

Northampton Volunteer Centre is an independent, registered charitable company. They believe that community action and volunteering breaks down barriers and contribute to social inclusion, a sense of belonging and a better way of life. Zimwomen is a not-for-profit organisation in Northampton that works to empower women and children through education and training.

Operating since May 1996, South Derbyshire CVS is a voluntary sector development agency, based in Swadlincote. Their aim is to work with community groups, individuals to improve the quality of life in South Derbyshire. Ticknall Lunch Club, a member of South Derbyshire CVS, has been providing fortnightly lunches for their 40 retired members, from the local community, since September 2008.

To view the two video case studies visit the One East Midlands website at www.oneeastmidlands.org.uk/casestudies or the newly launched One East Midlands Youtube Channel www.youtube.com/user/oneeastmidlands1

It took place at the University of Exeter on 23rd June and was aimed at anyone from the voluntary or public sector interested in shaping the future of the community and voluntary sector in the South West.

The event was very well attended and included a number of workshops and presentations from Debra Allcock-Tyler (CEO, Directory of Social Change) on the ‘Future of Support services’, and Neil McInroy (CEO of CLES) on ‘Localism and Sustainability’.

Read more about the conference at: www.southwestforum.org.uk.

At the Exeter ceremony last month, two thirds of the awards were picked up by nominees from across the third sector – highlighting the importance of the sector’s work in this area.

Shaz French (pictured, left) won the Convergence Personal Contribution Award for her work with South West Forum member Cornwall Neighbourhoods for Change (CN4C). Shaz overcame many personal challenges – as a lone parent with a lack of qualifications and a victim of domestic violence – when she started out on a CN4C ‘Working With People’ course, a course which helps people build skills to get into work. After the course she was encouraged to apply for a Trainee Advisor role with the organisation and now, following two promotions, she is a full-time Lead Adviser.

Tarn explained that Shaz is an example of the way CN4C employs people from different backgrounds, recognising the value of such backgrounds to the job. She added: “Other organisations could do this if they thought slightly differently about their strategies, allowing people to show experience for posts rather than just qualifications. Shaz has a great understanding of our client groups – that’s something you can’t buy.”

South West Forum Chief Executive Steve Woollett and Simon Charters, Regional Co-ordinator of the Forum’s Voluntary Value project (which is part-funded by ESF), attended the awards ceremony.

Simon said:
“We are delighted by the recognition that was given to third sector organisations, demonstrating the strong relationship between European Social Fund objectives and ongoing third sector activity around social exclusion.”
The European Social Fund exists to improve employment opportunities in the European Union – raising standards of living and helping people to fulfil their potential by giving them better skills and job prospects.

Between 2007 and 2009 the fund helped more than 72,000 people in the South West gain employment and training. During the present funding period, 2007- 2010, £266 million will be invested across the South West region.

For more information about voluntary and community sector engagement with ESF, visit www.southwestforum.org.uk and click on Skills, Employment and Worklessness.

Listen Value Invest logo

A new campaign which asks politicians and decision-makers to listen to, value and invest in the work of the Third Sector in the North West was launched in a special event at the Houses of Parliament last week.

Members of the Voluntary Sector North West (VSNW) staff team and North West Infrastructure Partnership (NWIP), representing regional and sub-regional infrastructure bodies, travelled to London to launch the Listen Value Invest message to an audience of MPs from the NW region, and to see first-hand how they could influence their local decision-makers.

MPs from the three main parties attended the morning launch, several signing the Listen Value Invest pledge which committed them to specific actions to support the sector in their area.

Tim Farron MP, having signed the pledge, and members of NWIP

In launching the campaign Richard Caulfield, Chief Executive of VSNW, urged MPs to be at the forefront of public sector adoption of the Listen Value Invest philosophy:

“We need a commitment to ‘listen’ to be shown across the public sector.  We also need the acceptance of the role of the third sector bodies in campaigning for change, in identifying the needs of communities and in shaping service delivery. Whilst much focus recently has been on the sector delivering public services we also call on the sector to rediscover its voice – we have a role in speaking up for those seldom heard, empowering people & communities and in delivering some unpopular messages.

“It is also important that our partners value the role and voice of the third sector.  In recent years we have seen the sector engaged in a myriad of structures developed to move the North West forward.  However, the seat at the table is not enough; engaging the sector at all stages of policy development through to implementation is vital.

“Finally I want to talk about Investment, I don’t want to talk about procurement & commissioning or funding. I certainly don’t want to denigrate grants; it is time we all changed our language and talked consistently of investment: investment in the third sector; investment in our communities and investment in the people of the NW.”

In the afternoon the delegation was addressed by Phil Woolas MP, Regional Minister for the North West, who praised the influential role of the sector in initiatives such as the Future Jobs Fund and paid tribute to its work:

“Ten to 20 years ago the sector was just seen as volunteering for charity purposes. Now it is a real service delivery force – in my constituency 52 per cent of social services for the elderly are delivered by the Third Sector. The Third Sector looks at the whole person – and joins up work in a way the statutory and private sectors don’t or can’t. Therefore, I thank you for your work on behalf of the British government, and welcome the launch of the Listen Value Invest campaign”

Tony Lloyd, MP for Manchester Central, also addressed the meeting and said it was vital that government showed a clear commitment to the third sector:

“You’re important, you provide for my constituents, you provide needed innovation, and in the end our world wouldn’t just be less richer but would be more miserable if you didn’t exist. We’d have to invent you if you weren’t here now. We’ll have to invent new participants, take on new roles in restructuring of cultures as we move into the future – those of you already here doing it are an important part of our past, present and future.”

Listen Value Invest is a campaign movement that asks MPs and other decision-makers to listen to, value and invest in the Third Sector in England’s North West. For more information visit www.listenvalueinvest.org.uk

England’s health inequalities pose a growing challenge for all of us. Addressing health inequalities is now one of the top priorities for the NHS. Professor Sir Michael Marmot was asked to lead a Strategic Review to develop a joint approach to tackling health inequalities. This conference will give you the opportunity to hear from Sir Michael more about the Review’s findings and recommendations. It will provide a unique opportunity to consider the essential role of Third Sector organisations to addressing the problems.

During the day you will have the chance to discuss with colleagues from across the sector some of the specific challenges we face and how the Marmot Report can help your organisation’s work.

You will have the opportunity to learn from keynote speakers as well as having the change to attend two interactive workshops during the day to discuss issues in depth.

The event has been organised by the Department of Health’s Strategic Partners, a wide ranging group of third sector organisations working with the Department to strengthen links between it and the sector.

The event will:

• Raise awareness among the third sector of the health inequalities challenge
• Disseminate findings and recommendations from the Marmot Report
• Identify some of the cross cutting issues of particular relevance to the sector
• Provide a forum to develop understanding of the role of the Third Sector in addressing health inequalities
• Help third sector organisations understand how the Marmot Report can support their work.

Keynote Speakers

• Gillain Merron MP, Minister of State for Public Health
• Professor Sir Michael Marmot
• Mike Farrar, Chief Executive, NHS North West

To download the conference brochure and booking form, please click here (400KB PDF)

For workshop choices, click here

For the full conference programme, click here

For details on accessibility at the conference, click here

For directions to the Congress Centre, click here

As such the networks have been monitoring the impact of the recession on the VCS within their region.  The following is a brief snap shot of the work they have undertaken.

East of England

In the East of England, COVER (Community and Voluntary Forum Eastern Region) undertake a regional survey every year to look at the state of sector in their region.  The latest survey results show that the recession is having a twin impact on the sector with demand for VCS services rising, particularly for advice and support services, and for over 70% of respondents income is falling or flat (which equates to an actual cut as salaries and utility bills, etc increase).

Key Headlines

For 72% of organisations with flat or falling incomes, client services are being reduced or closed, staff hours are being cut, staff are being made redundant, reserves are being used up and in extreme cases organisations are closing down.

East Midlands

One East Midlands commissioned research with a small sample of VCS organisations and sought the views of a number of key partners and stakeholders concerning the economic downturn and the impact in the East Midlands.

The results were shared at One East Midlands Partnership conference in March 2009, and a subsequent report was produced on the impact of the ‘Economic Downturn on the VCS in the East Midlands Region’ and disseminated.

Key Headlines

The biggest impact being felt was greater uncertainty particularly around the potential for further funding.  There was also concern for the impact on volunteers and the recruitment and retention of staff.

London

The London Voluntary Service Council is running their ‘Big Squeeze’ campaign, which included a survey looking at the impact of the recession where over 100 organisations responded.  The results have been disseminated widely and the campaign has been key in supporting the inclusion of a line in the Mayor’s Economic Recovery Action Plan for London that the public sector should provide support to the VCS to help them assist London’s most disadvantaged communities.

Key Headlines

71% of organisations report an increased workload, while 80% were not confident they could continue to meet this demand indefinitely.  95% indicated that the recession was already affecting them and the communities they support, with fear of hard time ahead being very high.

North East

In the North East, VONNE (Voluntary Organisations’ Network North East) has undertaken two surveys of the VCS in the region to look at the impact of the recession.  The results have been disseminated widely and have led to the Regional Grand Select Committee asking the Regional Minister to write to HM Treasury calling for the continuation of ‘Real Help’ funding and support beyond March 2010.

Key Headlines

69% of respondents have experienced an increase in demand for their services, with 55% already seeing a reduction in their funding.  26% have seen a decrease in the number of paid staff and a further 27% expect to make staff redundant in the next 12 months.  10% of respondents anticipate closing in the next 12 months, while this figure jumps to a third for small organisations.

North West

Voluntary Sector North West (VSNW) under took a quick survey of more than 20 VCS debt and money advice agencies in the North West, which led to discussion with local authorities to maintain level of funding for to VCS debt advice.  VSNW are currently pulling together the data from other VCS surveys in the region to give a North West picture.  This will be followed by recession survey work with a controlled sample of VCS organisations to assess the impact post March 2010.

Key Headlines

There has been large scale increases in demand on debt advice services, which (in some areas) has led to the introduction of waiting lists of up to 6 weeks, and the number of people seeking to volunteer through volunteer centres.

South East

Regional Action and Involvement South East (RAISE) conducts a regular quarterly e-survey of members on the impact of the economic climate on their organisations.  The analysed results from the survey are fed into the South East Economic Delivery Council and disseminated to key regional statutory partners.

Key Headlines

Demand on services has increased and it is at its highest since the survey began in January 2009.  The number of respondents reporting no change in their income level has risen.  The proportion of organisations that have had to make staff redundant has fallen.  The major issue facing local communities is increased debt.

South West

South West Forum has worked with its regional partners Black South West Network (BSWN) and Regional Infrastructure for Social Enterprise (RISE) in advocating to maintain and increase investment in third sector organisations by the public sector in the South West during the recession. This has included giving evidence to the South West Regional Select Committee of MPs as part of their investigation into the Government’s performance in tackling the recession.  This has led to a representative of the Third Sector in the SW being invited to join his Regional Economic Task Group which coordinates recession work within the region.

Key Headlines

South West Forum members report an increased demand for services provided by front line organisations and ah increasingly difficult funding environment, which is likely to become worse after March 2010 and much worse after March 2011.

West Midlands

Regional Action West Midlands (RAWM) has worked with Social Enterprise West Midland and West Midlands European Network on responses to the recession. Together they have developed a Third Sector Economic Manifesto from the first ever West Midlands Third Sector Economic Summit which they are asking all voluntary groups in the West Midlands to sign-up to.

Key Headlines

Of the 14,400 organisations registered in the West Midlands up to 3,800 are at risk of failing.  Of these some 780 organisations are considered to be extremely vulnerable.

Yorkshire & Humber

Yorkshire and the Humber Regional Forum recently conducted the first of its quarterly VCS Confidence survey.  They will also be running a follow-up Health of the Sector survey later this year.  The Forum has also published a report by the Worklessness Commission among people aged 50 plus.  The Commission was supported by the Regional minister and the work has been used as the basis of work she is undertaking on the issue of worklessness.

Key Headlines

Most respondents to the survey think economic conditions within the VCS will deteriorate over the next 12 months.  Overall the sector expects to deliver more services, but does not expect staffing numbers to keep pace.  43% of organisations expect their own financial situation to deteriorate; while 15% expect it to improve.  Most organisations expect to collaborate more over the next 12 months.

Full details of the work being undertaken by each regional network can be found on their individual websites, which can be found on http://www.regionalvoices.net/the-regions/

Voluntary organisations find demand soaring as they continue to be squeezed by the recession according to the results of a new survey into the impact of the recession on the third sector in the North East.

The survey, the largest of its kind, was conducted by VONNE, the North East voluntary sector umbrella body.  It builds on the results of a previous survey carried out six months ago, which reported charities struggling to cope with demand alongside falling funding. These latest results show that the situation has worsened for charities and the vulnerable people they support.

Over two thirds of the organisations surveyed reported an increase in demand for their services as a result of the recession – often essential services for the most disadvantaged.  At the same time, the majority of organisations report a decrease in funding. A quarter have reduced staffing levels this year and 10% expect to close down within the next twelve months. Small organisations are the most at risk with 33% expecting to close in the coming year.

Jo Curry, Chief Executive of VONNE, says that it is the region’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged that will lose out.

“The outcome of our follow up survey, ‘Still Surviving?’ is predictably depressing. As the impact of the recession begins to bite for the voluntary and community sector, the picture painted gets increasingly bleak,” she said.

“So far as it is possible to predict, the situation will get considerably worse before it gets better. Already we are beginning to see savage local authority cuts announced for the third sector. Northumberland County Council and Stockton Borough Council have announced cuts of 20% for next year and we are told that the sector there is, not surprisingly, ‘reeling’. Whatever the outcome of next year’s general election, there will be further huge cuts in public sector spending and this will quickly filter down to the voluntary and community sector.

“We ask the public to imagine what they would do without their local charities, as sadly this picture is becoming increasingly real. Go out and volunteer, give generously and ask of our region’s leaders to do all they can to support the life blood of our communities in this difficult time.”

Hardest hit are charities advising on family support, rural organisations, black and ethnic minority organisations and volunteering groups.

The main findings of the survey, entitled ‘Still Surviving?’, are:

• more than half of organisations report a decrease in funding
• over two thirds of organisations have experienced an increased demand for services
• a quarter of organisations have made staff redundant and a further quarter predict doing so in the next 12 months
• over a third of organisations are already operating on their reserves
• a third of organisations expect to close an existing service in the next 12 months.

Mike Worthington, Chair of VONNE, said:

“VONNE is committed to monitoring the situation and campaigning for funding to retain essential services. This follow up survey lists a number of recommendations which we will endeavour to implement on the sector’s behalf.”

More information:  Still Surviving? >>

Annual Review 08/09                      Strategic Plan 2010-15

The draft proposes, that each member organisation should from the time of adoption of the new articles of association, only exercise one vote at general meetings of either the full conference or the constituent groups (economic, social, environmental and other). Within the SEEPs South West Forum had four voting members and was expected to represent the whole VCS in the region.

The opportunity now exists for other VCS networks in the region which meet the criteria for membership to apply to join SWSs and increase the influence of the sector. There will be an annual subscription of £100 for each organisation.

For further details please contact roger@southwestforum.org.uk.

• Introduce the EY 2010 European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion and explain its purpose
• Raise awareness of poverty in the South West particularly in rural and coastal communities
• Highlight current activity to combat poverty within the region
• Explore ways in which action to combat poverty can be increased

By sharing best practice and engaging additional stakeholders this event will contribute to a legacy for the European Year ultimately leading to an improved quality of life for those currently most disadvantaged within the region.

Read more information about the event. (143KB Word doc)