Ten Years of CAN: Strategic aims, then and now

Community Action Norfolk (CAN) is dedicated to building a stronger and fairer Norfolk through support, empowerment, and strategic partnerships with voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations. Their strategic objectives are structured around three core themes: 

1. Practical Support for Organisations and Communities: CAN aims to be the primary resource for VCSE organisations seeking assistance to achieve their goals. This includes help with funding, organisational management, community engagement and strategic planning. They offer both reactive support; addressing immediate needs, and proactive support; initiating activities to incite community and organisational development.  
    
2. Leading VCSE Engagement in Norfolk: CAN collaborates closely with VCSE organisations, Norfolk County Council, and other partners to foster positive relationships. Their goal is to gather ideas, address challenges, and create a constructive dialogue to collaboratively develop strategies, policies, and services that strengthen and promote fairness across Norfolk.  
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3. Ensuring Fair Outcomes for All: CAN is committed to advocating for fair outcomes for everyone, regardless of their location or background. Recognising the challenges posed by reductions in public sector funding and demographic changes, they work towards more preventative and integrated services.  Our strategic advocacy focuses on identifying recurring challenges and facilitating systemic changes to ensure unbiased treatment and opportunities for all.  

Over the past decade, Community Action Norfolk (CAN) has evolved significantly by adapting to the challenges faced by the sector. We have embraced a more proactive stance in advocating for preventive and integrated services and created systemic solutions to ensure fair outcomes for marginalised groups. 

Formation and Early Focus (2015): 

• Merger: On April 1, 2015, CAN was established through the merger of Norfolk Rural Community Council and West Norfolk Voluntary Community Action. This strategic move aimed to safeguard services and provide optimal support to organisations and individuals across Norfolk.  
• Initial Objectives: The newly formed CAN focused on building a stronger and fairer Norfolk by supporting, empowering, and forming strategic partnerships with VCSE organisations; something which is still a key focus today. 

​Strategic Developments: 

Engagement and Advocacy: CAN positioned itself as the leading organisation for VCSE sector engagement in Norfolk. Collaborating with entities like Norfolk County Council, they worked to build positive relationships and collaboratively develop strategies, policies, and services.  

Recent Initiatives and Reflections: 

Loneliness Strategy: In collaboration with Civil Society Consulting CIC and Norfolk County Council, CAN delivered capacity-building workshops to grassroots VCS organisations and professionals. These workshops aimed to deepen understanding of loneliness and co-produce a Norfolk-wide strategic approach to tackle the issue.  

A Decade on: CAN remains steadfast in its mission, continually adapting its strategies to meet the evolving needs of the community. 

So, What Next:

Our strategy for 2023–2026 is built around three key priorities that reflect our commitment to creating stronger, more resilient communities across Norfolk: 

1. Harnessing the Value of Connected People and Services: We are bringing individuals, organisations, and services together to build more collaborative, responsive, and supportive communities. 

2. Empowering People to Make a Difference:  By offering practical support, training, and guidance, we’re helping people take the lead in improving their local areas and making a lasting, positive impact. 

3. Championing Environmental Awareness and Future-Focused Solutions: We’re supporting communities to become more environmentally conscious and equipped to create sustainable, forward-thinking responses to local and global challenges. 

To track our progress, we’ve developed a detailed action plan that translates these priorities into measurable outcomes. This allows us to monitor impact, inform budgeting, and guide future projects, ensuring our strategy leads to real and meaningful change. 

We believe that strong communities are built on support, collaboration, and opportunity. We’re not just an organisation; we’re a partner, a resource, and a champion for the sector. Whether you’re a small charity, a local volunteer, or a passionate individual looking to make a difference, we’re here to help you succeed and create lasting change. 

Bringing People Together, Building Stronger Communities 

Norfolk’s communities are filled with passionate people who want to make a difference—but sometimes, they need a little help to turn ideas into action. That’s where CAN comes in. We connect individuals, charities, and groups so they can share knowledge, pool resources, and work together to tackle challenges. By fostering these connections, we help transform local ambitions into real, impactful community projects. 

Living in a rural county comes with its own set of challenges—isolation, access to services, funding gaps—but we believe these aren’t barriers, just opportunities to find new solutions. CAN works with local communities to develop tailored, practical initiatives that meet their specific needs, whether that’s addressing rural loneliness, supporting social enterprises, or advocating for fairer funding. 

Making an Impact, Together 

When you work with CAN, you become part of a county-wide movement dedicated to making Norfolk a fairer, stronger, and more connected place. Whether you’re leading a community group, volunteering your time, or looking for ways to get involved, we’re here to help you make a bigger impact. 

Need support? Call us on 01362 698216 
Have a question? Email us here: office@communityactionnorfolk.org.uk