The Department currently has 18 Third Sector Strategic Partners:

• Action for Prisoners’ Families, NACRO (National Association for the Care and Rehabilitation of Offenders)
• Age UK
• Carers UK, Cross Roads Care, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers
• Combat Stress, The Royal British Legion
• Faith Action
• L, G, B and T Partnership
• Men’s Health Forum
• Mental Health Providers Forum
• Shaping Our Lives, NCIL (National Centre for Independent Living), RADAR (Royal Association for Disability Rights)
• NAVCA (National Association of Voluntary and Community Action)
• NCF (National Care Forum), VODG (Voluntary Organisations Disability Group)
• NCB (National Children’s Bureau)
• NCPC (The National Council for Palliative Care)
• National Heart Forum
• National Voices
• Race Equality Foundation
• Regional Voices
• WHEC (Women’s Health and Equality Consortium)

Collectively these third sector organisations through their distribution networks can reach more than 350,000 third sector members. As such they have much to offer local commissioners through their understanding of need, gaps and service provision; the ability to engage local people and provide services. To find out more about each of the strategic partners, you can download a quick reference guide here: Department of Health Voluntary Sector Strategic Partners Summary