Celebrating 10 Years of Community Action Norfolk

A Vision Rooted in Collaboration 

When CAN was formed on 1st April 2015, it brought together the expertise and heritage of Norfolk Rural Community Council (NRCC) and West Norfolk Voluntary and Community Action (WNVCA). This merger was more than just a practical solution; it was a commitment to preserving vital services while adapting to the evolving needs of Norfolk’s diverse communities. Our mission has always been to foster fairer outcomes for all, with a focus on supporting local services and addressing the unique challenges of a predominantly rural county. 

Then and Now 

From the very beginning, CAN have worked hard to foster collaboration and amplify the voice of the VCSE sector, ensuring that their needs and aspirations are heard. By partnering with others, we have strived to deliver the best possible outcomes for the people of Norfolk, staying true to our mission of building a stronger, fairer county. 

In 2025, these objectives remain at the heart of our work, but our approach has evolved to meet the changing needs of the communities we serve. We have embraced digital innovation to deliver tailored support and training more efficiently, ensuring our resources are accessible to even the most remote areas.  

Collaboration has deepened through Referrers Networks, Leaders’ Voice Network, West Norfolk VCSE Hub and the Assembly partnership, enabling us to address emerging challenges like digital inclusion, environmental sustainability, and health inequalities. By combining technology with a people-centred approach, we have created more inclusive, adaptable, and impactful solutions for Norfolk’s diverse communities. 

The Changing Landscape of the Voluntary Sector 

In 2015, Norfolk’s VCSE sector was vibrant but faced significant challenges, including limited funding and fragmented support networks which meant that communities were disconnected, poorly coordinated, or lacking in cohesion, making it challenging for individuals or groups to access consistent and effective support. 

By 2025, the landscape continues to face significant challenges, with funding harder to secure and competition for resources intensifying. In the interim, the world experienced the far-reaching impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which reshaped priorities and strained support systems. Simultaneously, changes to health commissioning structures and a prolonged government policy of austerity have drastically reduced local authority support.

Adding to the pressure, the rising cost of living and the global ripple effects of the war in Ukraine have compounded the difficulties faced by communities and organisations alike. Despite these hurdles, CAN has strategically leveraged its partnerships with local and national bodies to encourage investment, ensuring that vital support systems remain active and resilient. By adapting to shifting landscapes and maintaining its collaborative approach, CAN continues to drive impactful change even in the face of mounting adversity. 

Communications 

Our first newsletter, issued in 2015, focused on introducing CAN to the sector. As well as our monthly e-newsletters, we printed a quarterly Signpost magazine for our members.  

Fast forward to today, and our communications are all online and have evolved to not just inform but also inspire our subscribers. Thanks to new and improved technology, we can target specific audiences, ensuring that our subscribers receive news relevant to their sector.  

Through a combination of newsletters, social media platforms, and interactive online content, we engage with our community in real time, share success stories, promote upcoming events, and highlight key initiatives.  

Here are some examples of our recent work: 

Breckland 

North Norfolk

West Norfolk

Our Achievements 

CAN has have been at the forefront of transformative initiatives, tackling some of the most pressing challenges facing our communities. 

Throughout our journey we have highlighted the immense value and impact of the voluntary and community sector in responding to unprecedented challenges and we will continue to honour our commitment to collaboratively achieve the best possible outcomes for the people of Norfolk.  

Acknowledging Our Supporters 

None of this would have been possible without the support of our funders, including national bodies like ACRE (of which we’ve been proud members since 1986) and local organisations such as Norfolk County Council, the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk and Waveney ICB and Anglian Water to name a few. Their belief in our mission has fuelled our journey and we are eternally grateful for their foresight and belief in what we do.  

We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to our two Vice Presidents, Pat Holtom and John Carrick whose unwavering dedication and advocacy have been instrumental in promoting CAN’s mission. Their tireless efforts to raise awareness, forge connections, and champion our work have been invaluable. 

Looking Ahead 

As we celebrate this decade of progress, we are not resting on our laurels. Our focus remains on addressing emerging challenges, from post-pandemic recovery to helping adapt the new Integrated Care Systems (ICS). Together, we will continue to build a Norfolk that is inclusive, thriving, and fair. 

Celebrating 10 years of CAN means 10 years of groundbreaking insights, compelling stories, and industry-leading expertise that has shaped conversations and sparked ideas.

To mark this milestone, we are rolling out a series of 10 articles that capture the heart of our journey and the innovation that has fuelled it. These pieces feature reflections on key moments, expert opinions, and fresh perspectives that have pushed the boundaries and inspired change. Whether you have been with us from the start or are just discovering CAN, these articles promise to intrigue, inform, and ignite your curiosity. Don’t miss out—tune in and celebrate a decade of CAN’s rich legacy and future vision! 

Here’s to the next ten years of Community Action Norfolk—a brighter future built on the foundations of collaboration and care. 

And watch this space........our AGM could take on a whole new feel for 2025 with engaging speakers, networking opportunities and a panel discussion.  

These are simply ideas at this stage, so if there is anything you would like to see included then please get in touch here.