Introduction
We look forward to working in even closer collaboration with our members and partners in 2020-21. To read the VCSE Strategy, see: voscur.org/partnership/strategy-and-relationships.
Delivering impact in challenging times During the initial lockdown, our national body, NAVCA, launched the #NeverMoreNeeded social media campaign to highlight the work of a huge variety of organisations who helped with the emergency response. We worked quickly to support groups: moving all our services online and temporarily suspending charges, increasing telephone and virtual support and advice, working with local and central government to adapt funding, and creating mechanisms for groups to collaborate with individuals and organisations not used to working with the sector. At the time of writing, we are still involved in pandemic recovery, working with members, partners and stakeholders to reimagine the sector’s future in this changed world.
We also know that, without continued investment in the sector from partners including Bristol City Council, The Big Lottery, Power to Change, Access Foundation, Big Society Capital, Quartet Community Foundation and NHS England, our collective response to COVID-19 would not have been as effective. 2019-20 started with energy and optimism, and ended rather differently. We could not be more proud of the outstanding and remarkable effort shown by community groups, charities, social enterprises, volunteers from ‘Can Do Bristol’, and Mutual Aid groups during lockdown and beyond. Finally, we also want to acknowledge the outstanding dedication and hard work of Voscur staff and the Board of Trustees, who remain dedicated to delivering the highest quality services so that our sector builds back better and stronger. Thank you!
Sandra Meadows Chief Executive Officer
Lin Whitfield Chair 3