The VCSE sector is hard-pushed financially because of the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future. In previous articles we have looked at how the financial challenges require many of us to explore new ways of fund-raising and generating income – and perhaps turn those challenges into opportunities. In this article we will be exploring an option new to many – Social Investment.
The Arts and Culture sector is an important element in the VCSE fraternity, in the context of community engagement and outreach, and addressing local health issues such as social isolation and loneliness. Natalie Jode, Executive Director at Creative Arts East, has seen the impact of the pandemic on operational capability and capacity across the county.
We’ve seen so much commitment from Norfolk’s VCSE sector in to adapting to new ways of working during COVID-19. Dealing with the impact of social isolation was a primary developmental driver for Aylsham & District Care Trust (ACT) and remains at the heart of their work today, reinforced by additional need triggered by the pandemic.
More than 97% of the world’s water is too salty to drink. Another 2% is locked up in ice caps and glaciers. That leaves less than 1% for us – for drinking, washing, watering our gardens, for agriculture, for industry. Following Anglian Water’s ‘Keep It Clear’ campaign, encouraging the public to dispose of wastewater and material safely, we are now helping with their ‘Love Every Drop’ campaign.
CAN’s research into the state of the VCSE sector across Norfolk during the COVID-19 pandemic has been building a comprehensive analysis of information needed for future sector planning. It also reflects the resilience which many charities and voluntary organisations have shown in adapting to delivering their services at this time. Leeway, operating across all of Norfolk and part of Suffolk, is one such.
CAN’s work in organising and delivering Social prescribing in Breckland and West Norfolk has reached more than 1,600 people since its inception, and garnered recognition as a finalist at 2019’s International Social Prescribing Awards. Every individual has their own story in finding their way forward.
We regularly receive enquiries from people who are uncertain about their roles and responsibilities as trustees. This is the fourth and final article in our series explaining the lines of demarcation between the roles of the different types of trustee, explaining what they are and are not empowered to do.
We are regularly reporting on the wonderful achievements of Good Neighbour Schemes and community support groups – many of which have been born in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. CAN’s Development Officers have been advising and supporting many of these enterprises. Such a group is Sprowston Supporting Our Community Together, which has joined our Good Neighbour Scheme network. Their chosen title describes exactly what they do.
Rik Martin, our Development Manager, has been awarded status as a Community Led Homes Accredited Adviser, having completed an intensive course of training and study.