Wolverhampton is proud to host the 2025 UK Recovery Conference and Walk, taking place on 12–13 September 2025. WVCA’s SUIT project has played a leading role in bringing this national event to the city. The conference, spiritual service, and Recovery Walk at West Park will bring together people in recovery, their families, and supporters to celebrate resilience and community.
Sharon shares highlights from the past year, including preparations for the 2025 UK Recovery Walk in West Park, with events starting 12–13 September, bringing the community together to celebrate recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. She also reflects on her recent visit to The Haven Wolverhampton, recognising the vital work of local services supporting women and children. Sharon emphasises the importance of supporting and valuing VCSEF sector services that rely on volunteers and lived experience to make a real difference in the community.
Sharon shares highlights from recent community events and sector developments, including the 5-year celebration of TNB Connect, supporting the Transgender and Non-binary community, and the South Asian Heritage Month panel at Molineux, featuring Black Country MPs discussing representation in politics. She also updates on national health developments, with NHS England recognising the VCSE sector’s role in inclusive, community-based care and engaging with Alliance42 to shape the future of Integrated Care Boards.
The government has announced fresh support for youth work in England, including an £88m package for youth clubs and after‑school activities and a new £30.5m Better Youth Spaces fund. Alongside this sits the reopened Million Hours Fund, focused on putting more staffed hours on the ground. Here’s what it means in practice – and how to make the most of it.
In her latest update, Sharon shares a snapshot of WVCA’s activity from January to July 2025 – including over 115 support interactions with 81 local VCSEF groups, nearly half of which were new to WVCA. Health, wellbeing, community cohesion and funding remain key focus areas.
In her latest update, Sharon reflects on the growing pressures facing the VCSEF sector and highlights new national developments including the launch of the Civil Society Covenant and proposals to improve access to government contracts through procurement reforms – both of which aim to create more meaningful partnerships between government and civil society.