In order for our sector to be effective it is essential that we support one another, understand how our services work together and influence decision-making by our statutory partners that will impact on those we support.
VCWB have several established and new forums that allow the sector to achieve these aims.
The forums are open to representatives from all voluntary, community, self-help and not-for-profit organisations (including CICs) delivering services across West Berkshire.
Statutory partners are warmly invited to attend the forums as equal partners, providing an opportunity to build strong relationships, develop shared understanding, and explore how the VCSE and statutory sectors can work collaboratively to improve outcomes for local communities.
All forum dates for the year are available here. Please book a place if you’d like to attend. All registered attendees will receive a diary invite, agenda and the minutes, even if they are unable to attend on the day.: https://bit.ly/VCWBforums
West Berkshire Voluntary Sector Voice
This forum supports effective partnership working between the VCSE sector, health partners and the local authority, enabling shared intelligence, aligned priorities and coordinated action to improve health and wellbeing across West Berkshire.
The forum meets online quarterly.
Click here to register
Voluntary Sector Arts Voice
Aimed at organisations delivering arts for wellbeing, this forum meets quarterly at Broadway House and in community venues across West Berkshire. The forum aims to create a collaborative approach to arts activities across the district to benefit the residents of West Berkshire.
The list of Arts Voice Members is here.
Click here to register
Children and Young People Voice
The forum is made up from a selection of Voluntary and Community sector organisations supporting Children, Young People and Families across West Berkshire. We meet regularly in Newbury town centre, members of the forum represent the sector at strategic level in boards such as Local Safeguarding Children Board and Health and Wellbeing Board.
Click here to register
Voluntary Sector Sports Voice
Focused on voluntary Sports groups across the district, this forum aims to achieve a joined up approach to sport for health and wellbeing across the district, where possible sharing resources and expertise to the benefit of the residents of West Berkshire. Where challenges arise that affect the sector, the members of this forum can come together to find solutions and influence change.
Click here to register
Special Educational Needs and Disability Providers Voice
Bringing together voluntary sector organisations who are providing Special Educational needs and disability support and activity, this forum meets regularly to discuss the challenges that providers and their clients are facing and creating ways to work together to achieve better outcomes for the end user and their families and carers.
Click here to register
West Berkshire Poverty Forum for the VCSE and key stakeholders
The Poverty Forum brings together a range of charities, community groups, voluntary organisations, funders and statutory partners across West Berkshire that are working to address poverty and support individuals and families experiencing financial hardship. The forum provides a space to network, share insights and challenges, explore opportunities for collaboration, and promote best practice in tackling poverty and its root causes.
The forum meets on a quarterly basis in Newbury.
Click here to register
Voluntary Sector Community Transport Voice
Bringing together the voluntary organisations that are providing community car and handybus schemes across the district with colleagues from West Berkshires Transport Team to share best practice and information that will lead to improved service for their clients.