Together we are stronger Membership of Community First
As a registered charity, Community First builds voluntary sector capacity and delivers social value services to improve the lives of everyone and to ‘be the difference that makes a difference’ in our local communities. Community led and people powered, we work across sectors with community members to effect positive change and be a force for good. As a membership organisation we are passionately committed to creating a strong, influential and thriving voluntary and community sector because we know the difference it makes to people’s lives. We believe we are stronger together, and want to ensure your voice is heard and helps to shape the Voluntary Sector of the future in Hampshire. • Full Membership is available to not for profit organisations and social enterprises in Hampshire. • Associate Membership is available to the public sector, profit making businesses, and not for profit organisations operating outside of Hampshire
Member Benefits Access to a ‘voice for the sector’ Community First is a recognised voice for the voluntary sector and we can help you get your message across to help inform and influence funders, commissioners and decision makers in statutory bodies and public sector organisations.
Voluntary Sector Engagement Access our Capacity Building team of experts who can advise and support your organisation on all aspects of day to day management such as governance, volunteering, policies, business planning, managing change and income generation. We can also support the set up of new organisations and projects and facilitate partnerships.
Newsletters / Bulletins Regular ENews bulletins with information of interest to the voluntary sector, as well as the opportunity to promote your own news and events.
Membership is £10 per annum and being a part of Community First offers you and your organisation, including your Trustees, Staff and Volunteers access to a wide range of services and support. To join please go to: www.cfirst.org.uk/membership and straight away you’ll have access to our services and support.
Community First has over 700 members Community Building Support Support with all aspects of running a community building or hub that includes the opportunity to attend our Community Building Network.
Inclusion in our online Help & Support Directory Visit our website to view our Directory and add your organisation and services. www.cfirst.org.uk
Help to find volunteers Use our bespoke online Volunteering Platform Volunteer First where you can advertise and promote your opportunities. www.volunteerfirst.co.uk
Skill Share and access to business expertise Let us see if we can match you up with local business experts offering advice and support in key areas such as marketing, business planning, finance and HR.
Members can also benefit from a range of support services at competitive rates including: Members’ Events, Forums and Networks Meet and collaborate with others, have a platform to share ideas and skills, hear from experts on specialist subjects, join training taster sessions and develop joint funding bids.
Specialist Training A programme of high quality low cost training is available, including bespoke courses that can be designed specifically for your organisational needs.
Promotions and Offers We will be running regular promotions throughout the year, offering discounts to our members across our range of services.
DBS Checks For staff and volunteers with essential advice on safeguarding.
Payroll & Bookkeeping Including all aspects of payroll such as payment, tax and NI and auto pension enrolment with reduced rates for new members.
Health & Safety Advice and consultancy is available on health and safety policy and procedures.
Hot Desk Facilities and Room Hire
In the last year...
Ideal to support your recovery from the pandemic with access to Wi-Fi, printing and scanning and presentation facilities. Currently available in Fareham, Havant, New Forest and Winchester.
619
groups supported on a wide range of topics
Members only
Minibus Hire
£1m
new funding was secured for the VCSE sector
596 people volunteerd in roles promoted through Volunteer First
Hire a bus with or without a driver from our large fleet of fully accessible minibuses. All drivers are MiDAS certified and DBS checked. Book a one off or regular trip or simply tell us where you would like to go and let us take care of all the arrangements.
157 training events delivered to 1766 learners
583,485 miles covered by our minibus fleet
We also deliver a range of critical services supporting the most disadvantaged in our communities: Trauma Counselling
Transport & Mobility
Including specialist rape and sexual abuse counselling for adults and young people.
Wheels to work moped loan for those with no access to suitable transport to get to work, apprenticeships, training or job interviews. Services for those in our community who would otherwise be housebound, including Dial A Ride, Call & Go, Shopmobility, and Voluntary Car Scheme.
Services for Young Carers The New Forest Young Carers Service offers support to children aged 7 to 18 years who have someone at home with a long-term illness or disability.
Supported Volunteering Helping People at Home We offer an affordable service for older and vulnerable residents who need a little help to stay safe and well in and around the home with cleaning, shopping, companionship, gardening and handyperson repairs.
Enabling those in Havant Borough who have been long term unemployed to reconnect with their communities through volunteering. Encouraging community volunteering in Whitehill and Bordon through timebanking.
Promoting Health & Wellbeing Through social prescribing, and guided Walking 4 Health walks led by trained volunteer Walk Leaders in both Fareham and the New Forest.
Join us for immediate access to our services and support
www.cfirst.org.uk/membership @cfirsttweets
cfirstposts
t: 0300 500 8085 e: support@cfirst.org.uk
Community First is the trading name of Communities First Wessex. Registered Charity no 1147527 Company Registered in England and Wales 08071971 at Leigh Park Community Centre, Dunsbury Way, Havant, Hampshire PO9 5BG