Sharon highlights the growing pressure on VCSEF organisations, who are facing rising community needs alongside limited funding. After meeting the Heath Town Tenants and Residents Group, she stresses how vital community-led groups are as the NHS moves towards neighbourhood-based care through Integrated Neighbourhood Teams. She also notes the government’s Civil Society Covenant, which recognises the sector’s value but offers no direct funding. With major reforms underway, Sharon calls for genuine partnership working and proper investment to ensure Wolverhampton’s communities are supported.

In her 21 November message, CEO Sharon Nanan‑Sen reflects on the pressure facing the voluntary and community sector — with funding competition rising and many organisations needing to rethink income streams — and underscores that the city’s VCSE ecosystem remains resilient, with nearly 60 new groups supported this quarter, a high proportion led by people from BAME backgrounds. She emphasises how vital partnerships, infrastructure support (like bid-writing workshops) and the work of the Wolverhampton Voluntary & Community Action volunteer centre remain as charities navigate change together.

It’s been a busy few weeks for WVCA, with packed agendas and valuable conversations across the city. We’ve shared sector updates at the Council’s Love Your Community meeting, hosted a well-attended VCSEF Alliance Meeting focused on youth services, and continued delivering our Hospital Discharge Social Prescriptions Grant Programme, which has already distributed £50,000 to local groups. Read Sharon’s latest update for highlights, successes, and what’s next for the VCSEF sector in Wolverhampton.