Dear Colleagues,
Wolverhampton VCSEF Alliance Meeting
Reflecting on the discussions and energy from our VCSEF Alliance Meeting on 20th May, I am reminded of the immense strength, expertise, and passion that defines Wolverhampton’s Voluntary, Community, Social Enterprise and Faith (VCSEF) ecosystem.
The VCSEF Alliance meetings are essential for aligning our collective voice and ensuring our sector is treated as an equal, strategic system partner rather than an optional safety net.
At a time when our operating environment demands constant adaptation, showing up for one another to collaborate and share our experiences is vital.
Our latest meeting provided a real opportunity to highlight that the City Council has a draft VCS Strategy and will be running an 8-week consultation with the wider sector on the Strategy starting on 15th June.
People really do like to be involved from the very beginning, about anything that is about them, and as you may imagine, there was some concern that the City Council already seems to be some way down the road with this.
Some of the discussions centred on:
- Valuing Sector Expertise: Ensuring that strategic decision-makers respect and fully integrate the unique insights of local providers and grassroots groups into policy design.
- Tackling Systemic Pressures: Openly addressing the ongoing challenges we face, from navigating unstable funding landscapes to managing the increasing demand for our services.
- Sustainable Cooperation: Shifting the narrative away from transactional, short-term fixes toward deeply rooted, fully resourced system partnerships.
Watch this space for more information on the consultation.
Compton Care’s Trail of the Dragons
Last week I was invited to attend the official launch event for the Trail of the Dragons which took place at the Lockworks Cinema in the fabulous Chubb Building. The event marked the official start of a massive public arts campaign delivered by Compton Care in partnership with Wild in Art.
The planned public art trail will bring 30 large dragon sculptures to Wolverhampton in what is a really well thought out celebratory and fundraising approach. Seeing local businesses, schools, and artists rally together with Compton Care was a reminder of how the VCSEF sector and the corporate world can come together to share innovative ideas and practice.
Wolverhampton’s new Mayor, Councillor Paul Singh
It was good too to see Wolverhampton’s new Mayor, Councillor Paul Singh.
For his 2026/27 civic year, Mayor Paul Singh will focus fundraising and awareness efforts on four specific organisations:
· Wolverhampton Boxing Club
· Wolverhampton Judo Club
· The Friends of Di’s Kitchen (delivering food to those in need)
· Inspire You (supporting young people)
Finally, if there are any issues that you would like to raise or anything that you would like to hear more about, please contact me.
If you would like more information, please remember to check out our website and newsletter regularly – there is always new information, and opportunities are always presenting themselves.
Thank you,
Sharon Nanan-Sen
Chief Executive Officer