Wiltshire Council commissions Wessex Community Action to co-ordinate Children and Family Voluntary Sector Forum

A new collaboration will ensure voluntary and community sector groups representing families and children will have a stronger, united voice in the future.

Wiltshire Council has commissioned Wessex Community Action to support and co-ordinate Wiltshire's Children and Family Voluntary Sector Forum (CFVSF) for the next three years.

The CFVSF receives funding from Wiltshire Council and provides a platform for the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) organisations to come together, share ideas and collaborate to support children and families from across the county.

Bi-monthly meetings bring together members from across Wiltshire to highlight opportunities for funding and support. The forum also provides opportunities to undertake training together to increase the capacity of individuals and organisations to better support the children and families across Wiltshire.

Wessex Community Action (WCA) are an infrastructure organisation for local charities and voluntary groups across Wiltshire, helping them thrive and deliver essential services in their communities. Their position within Wiltshire's voluntary and community sector makes them ideally placed to support and develop the CFVSF.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the response of the VCS organisations highlighted their capacity to rapidly mobilise and reach communities where it was needed. VCS members have fed into the development of the council's Family and Children's Transformation programme and help shape ongoing council projects including the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub.

Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children's Services said: "We are very fortunate in Wiltshire to have Voluntary and Community Sector groups who work with us to make a positive difference in the lives of families and children. This new partnership will increase collaboration and strengthen the voice of these vital groups so we maximise opportunities and build on the great work already taking place across Wiltshire."

Amber Skyring, CEO of Wessex Community Action said "I am delighted to have won the tender to support the CFVSF. WCA has been giving the sector a voice through our role, as an infrastructure organisation, on both local and national forums and partnerships. WCA are there to share and represent, as best as they are able, the experiences and stories of organisations and groups in Wiltshire; both their challenges and their joys; and help elevate the voice of those communities and residents whom they serve. WCA look forward to supporting the forum's voice being heard in the county and the vital role they have in shaping and influencing services that meets the needs of their clients."  

More details can be found at: CFVSF | Wiltshire Children & Families Voluntary Sector Forum