In her latest update, Sharon reflects on a busy start to the year, highlighting the WVCA’s recent International Women’s Day event which brought people from across Wolverhampton together to network, share experiences and celebrate the contribution of women in the community. She also attended a regional conference exploring autistic perception in Black and minoritised ethnic communities, which looked at inequalities in diagnosis, support and outcomes.

Sharon reflects on the resilience of Wolverhampton’s VCSEF sector, praising the determination of organisations who continue to support people despite funding pressures and growing demand. She recently celebrated the impact of ACCI’s culturally responsive mental health work, visited the Wolverhampton Wellbeing Hub CIC to see its inspiring ‘1960s Front Room’ reminiscence project, and is looking ahead to WVCA’s free International Women’s Day event.

Sharon shares an early update on the development of Wolverhampton’s VCS Strategy and future Covenant/Compact. The initial findings will feel familiar across the sector, highlighting fragmented and unstable funding, pressure on capacity and volunteering, and the need to strengthen trust, communication and collaboration. There is a strong emphasis on moving away from short-term, transactional funding towards longer-term partnerships that build sustainability, prevention and social value. While these challenges are not unique to Wolverhampton, the message was clear: this is the start of a shared journey, and progress will depend on open dialogue, learning from communities, and working together with a positive outlook.