The difference we make
The VCSE sector plays a vital role in supporting, improving and enhancing the lives of people in Worcestershire.
Browse this page to learn more about the ways Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise organisations are making a difference.
2023-24 Alliance Annual Report
We are delighted to present the 2023-24 Worcestershire VCSE Alliance Annual Report, which provides a glimpse into our highlights from the last year.
2023-24 highlights
- Building on the strength of the Alliance’s first year we have continued to work towards our aims and objectives
- The VCSE Alliance assemblies and forums have supported and enabled VCSE partners to work more effectively as part of the Integrated Care System
- Phases one and two of ‘Understanding and Strengthening the VCSE Sector’ have been completed – this will provide a comprehensive report on the size and scope of the VCSE in Worcestershire
- Delivery of the VCSE Mental Health Programme has now been completed, and partners are continuing to work together to develop new projects
- The Community Wellbeing Roles Network met three times in 2023-24, with the Peer Support Group meeting a further 8 times
- REACH has continued to be develop and has now entered the ongoing Community Health Research and Development phase
Want to read about our previous work? Read our 2022-2023 Annual Report.
2022-23 highlights
- New Worcestershire VCSE Alliance established, with 25 VCSE leaders contributing to the
development of the Alliance - Alliance objectives agreed and supported by a new website and communications plan
- Funding secured for ‘Understanding and Strengthening the VCSE Sector’ – this will provide a
comprehensive report on the size and scope of the VCSE in Worcestershire - New process for VCSE representatives agreed and appointments made
- Role developed for VCSE in District Collaboratives
- ICS Academy – establishment of VCSE Faculty to provide free learning and development resources
for the sector - VCSE Mental Health Project developed, and Programme Manager appointed
Worcestershire VCSE Mental Health Provision
Worcestershire VCSE Alliance working partnership with Worcestershire Association of Carers (WAC)
The aim of this report is to establish a
greater understanding of the
organisations providing support to
people living with a mental health
condition.
Worcestershire VCSE Assembly 2023
‘A reminder of the important role VCSE organisations play in supporting the local community’s health and wellbeing’
On 25th October we held the first Worcestershire VCSE Assembly welcoming 100 people on the day.
71% of the delegates represented Worcestershire VCSE organisations, 27% were from statutory organisations and 2% were independent.
Since it was founded in July 2022, the Alliance has made great strides in its first phase. Participants at the Assembly were invited to share ideas and experiences to help develop an Alliance that offers support and connections to all VCSE voices. Thank you to Alliance Founder Members and other colleagues who facilitated these lively conversations.
‘It was a really interesting and thought-provoking event as well as a chance to network with a wide variety of Worcestershire based charities and explore the future of collaborative working and better connection within the Integrated Care System. Most importantly yesterday reminded us of the important role VCSE organisations play in supporting the local community’s health and wellbeing’ – VCSE delegate
100% of the post-event feedback respondents said they would like to attend a future event of this kind. We hope this that will be the first of many events that will connect and strengthen the sector.
Thank you to the team at St Peters Baptist Church for hosting, Elizabeth at Dancefest and Melissa Porter Yoga for leading lunchtime wellbeing sessions, SW Healthcare for organising the Your Health van visit and to Onside MIX Bakery and Cafe for preparing lunch.
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Join a Rural Mental Health Steering Group
The University of Worcester, supported by the James Lind Alliance, is inviting expressions of interest from people across Herefordshire and Worcestershire to join a new Steering Group exploring how we can address inequalities in care and support for people living with, or at risk of, serious mental illness (SMI) in rural communities. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲…
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Join the Alliance Board to Champion the VCSE sector in Worcestershire.
We are inviting expressions of interest from compassionate and values-led VCSE leaders who are passionate about improving outcomes for communities across Worcestershire to join the Worcestershire VCSE Alliance Board.We are looking for people who can think sector-first, work collaboratively, champion inclusion and lived experience, and help turn ambition into action. If you are committed to…
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Warm Welcome Spaces in Worcestershire
Do you have a community space that could be used to welcome people looking for warmth and connection? Warm Welcome Spaces open their doors to their local communities, offering everyone a free, warm, welcoming and friendly space. Poverty can compound isolation and loneliness and prevent people from connecting with others. The dark evenings and cold winter…