Nikyla Manners, Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator at NCVS, shares her views on a recent celebration event designed to give a voice to the voluntary sector in Gedling Borough.
On Thursday 5 September 2024, it was our privilege to facilitate Gedling Borough’s Voluntary and Community Sector Voice and Celebration Event at The Richard Herrod Centre. Thank you to the representatives from forty different organisations who shared your time, thoughts and experience.
Sarah Collis opened the day by sharing plans for a new way to deliver VCSE infrastructure for Gedling. The model we discussed is a hybrid ‘clicks and mortar’ partnership approach to supporting access to consistent, equitable support, advice, training and voice for the VCSE sector. This community asset-based approach is a sustainable solution that builds on Gedling’s resources and expertise.
We then had an opportunity to network and build new relationships by mapping local organisations and the services offered. There was keen interest in creating a partnership of organisations that deliver services to children, young people and families and lots of planning for collaborative events.
We also had the opportunity to see a moving film about Carlton, featuring stories told by local residents. The impact of VCSE organisations on local people is clear. It can be seen here.
After a delicious lunch provided by The Netherfield Forum, we discussed what the sector needs to thrive, based around NAVCA’s Four Pillars of Infrastructure: Advocacy and Leadership, Partnerships and Collaboration, Capacity Building and Volunteering. Groups had honest and generous conversations about the support they needed and the support they could offer to other organisations. See below:
- Leadership and Advocacy
There is a strong match between the needs groups identify and the support that groups are willing and able to offer in leadership and advocacy. A key need is for groups to know who decision-makers are and how they can be accessed. Some groups feel they have this knowledge and would be happy to share (where able and considering GDPR). Training in ‘developing power and influence’ and expertise sharing in ‘presenting a case’ through data gathering, public speaking, and writing case studies are on offer. Power-building between organisations is also something lots of groups are keen to be involved in.
- Partnerships and Collaboration
There is a huge appetite to work collaboratively. The organisations already doing this effectively are both seeking to develop new partnerships and willing to help develop other partnerships. There is a clear need for easy signposting, and groups are very willing to signpost to each other. There is both a need for and an offer of sharing: expertise, contacts (where GDPR allows), and resources. Groups are interested in taking part in collaborative events, and those with experience are willing to support new events. There is a strong need for a directory of organisations. This would help groups to find others based on their aims, locations, services, skills, etc. This could serve as a 'matching service’ and allow for ‘vertical and horizontal’ connections.
- Capacity Building
The capacity-building requirements are very diverse, but for most of the needs, there is a matching support offer. The most common need identified is training, and it is also the aspect most offered. Groups can share expertise in: PR, social media, IT, working with diverse communities, and fundraising (to name but a few). The second largest need is venues, and it was again matched with many offers. A directory of venues with key information, such as car parking, would be useful. Policy templates are the third largest ask, and many groups are willing to share their documents or support others to develop their own.
- Volunteering
A database of both volunteering opportunities and willing volunteers would be of use. Groups are keen to ensure volunteers are matched with the correct opportunities and are willing to signpost volunteers to other organisations. Training for volunteers and training to support organisations with volunteering is needed, and there are groups that can offer this. Supporting volunteers with additional health needs was also asked for and offered. Organisations are keen to learn about ways to reward and recognise volunteers and the impact they have.
Several groups shared their experiences with the room in overcoming challenging situations. The dedication and resilience discussed was inspirational. Jackie from Positively Empowered Kids spoke passionately about working with a wide range of partners to provide intergenerational workshops and family fun days. Anne from Gedling Play Forum and Joel from The Ark gave a stirring presentation setting out their big ambition to create a VCSE Service Hub, incorporating development of a nearby green space.
We are excited to continue the conversation and would like to invite any organisations offering services in Gedling to get in touch with Nikyla by email at nikylam@nottinghamcvs.co.uk or phone at 07483 421510.
