Despite the continuing pressures facing the VCSEF sector, demand for community action and support remains strong. WVCA has seen growing interest from people looking to set up groups, access funding and seek advice, even as organisations face rising costs, falling donations, increased competition for grants and challenges around governance, recruitment and capacity.

There are also opportunities ahead. The Government’s move towards more preventative, community-based healthcare – including the new Neighbourhood Health Framework – could create an increasingly important role for voluntary and community organisations in supporting people closer to home, reducing health inequalities and strengthening communities.

Sharon also highlights some important dates for the diary, including WVCA’s celebration of 20 years of SUIT and 10 years of Social Prescribing on Friday 20 November, alongside the next VCSEF Alliance Meeting on 13 October and Social Investment Webinar on 24 September.

There’s plenty to look forward to at WVCA over the coming months, with opportunities to connect, learn and celebrate the impact of our sector. We’re especially excited to be marking 20 years of SUIT and 10 years of Social Prescribing with a special celebration at the Arena Theatre in November – recognising two services that have made a real difference to people’s lives across Wolverhampton.

Before then, we’ll be bringing the sector together for our VCSEF Alliance Meeting in October, as well as hosting a Social Investment Webinar with Tom Bostock from Big Issue Invest in September. Against a backdrop of continued challenges and change for voluntary organisations, Sharon’s latest CEO Update reflects on why it’s more important than ever to recognise our achievements, strengthen connections and continue working together.

Sharon reflects on new research highlighting why grant funding remains essential for many charities, before sharing some of WVCA’s achievements from April to June. Highlights include supporting around 40 community groups, helping a local counselling organisation secure three years of funding, and promoting the city’s draft Voluntary & Community Sector Strategy consultation. Sharon also invites organisations to several upcoming events this autumn, including a social investment webinar, the VCSEF Alliance meeting and celebrations marking key milestones for SUIT and Social Prescribing.

In her latest update, CEO Sharon Nanan-Sen reflects on the positive engagement generated by the council’s VCS Strategy consultation and reminds organisations that there is still time to complete the survey.

Sharon also highlights the growing impact of social division on charities, considers what the changing political landscape and Civil Society Covenant could mean for the VCSEF sector, and looks ahead to developing stronger partnerships in Wolverhampton.