Helping Hampshire's VCSE sector
to succeed and flourish
CVSes are a type of local infrastructure organisation, which were established across the country after the First World War. At the time, a shortage of housing, jobs and food, economic difficulties and a general mood of disillusionment led to an increase in charitable activity, and a call to improve cooperation between voluntary and statutory bodies.
The role of a CVS is to ensure that local voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations are well supported. We provide the VCSE sector with a wide range of support including:
Leadership and advocacy
Leaders and advocates across diverse communities, bringing people together to have a stronger voice and influence,
mobilising and encouraging community ambition and aspiration as a connecter and ‘door opener’.
Partnerships and collaborations
Bringing together networks and connecting local voluntary and community organisations with each other and with
strategic and systems partners, to create, pursue and implement opportunities for joint working.
Community development and practical support
Strengthening spaces and opportunities for people to come together to develop their goals and drive aspirations for
their communities.
Encouraging and nurturing volunteering
Leading and generating an expectation and culture in which volunteering can thrive.
As part of a larger network of Councils for Voluntary Services across England, our core roles and responsibilities are:
All Hampshire’s CVSs have community development workers who provide support and guidance to all not for profit voluntary organisations.
With local knowledge and a wealth of experience we aim to meet the needs of voluntary organisations by providing support either face to face, at networking events, on the phone, online or via email. Our aim is to support and encourage a thriving voluntary sector in Hampshire that meets the needs and improve the quality of life for our local residents.
The support available is varied from starting up a new community group, finding funding to resolving governance issues. Some examples of the support we can provide are listed below:
To find out more or discuss your organisational needs find your local CVS here
We offer a wide range of cost effective ‘off the shelf’ and bespoke training courses to meet the needs of Hampshire’s voluntary sector. A selection of our current training courses and workshops aimed at the voluntary and community sector are listed on our Events & Training page . If you are looking for training on a particular topic we can help you to find the training you need.
Examples of some of the training we can offer includes:
To find out more or discuss your organisational needs find your local CVS here.
We organise a range of events that take place across Hampshire to support the local voluntary sector. These include forums, workshops and networking events bringing together organisations to share ideas and information and promote volunteering.
To find out about events in your area visit our Events & Training page. Or to find out more and discuss your organisational needs find your local CVS here.
The Hampshire CVS Network represents the voluntary sector at a wide range of District and County meetings, with the aim of influencing and ensuring that the voice of the sector is heard, priority issues are highlighted and the needs of the sector are taken into consideration by key decision and policy makers.
We are always keen to hear from organisations. As political landscapes, area demographics and the needs of our communities change it is important we have regular dialogue with the voluntary sector to ensure we are discussing those issues that matter to you and your beneficiaries. If there is an issue you would like to discuss visit our contact page.
Examples of some of the meetings we are represented at include:
District-level CVS’s manage a volunteer promotion and recruitment/brokerage service to match local residents with local volunteering opportunities. Voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations are encouraged to advertise their volunteering roles for free to help find new talented volunteers. Advice and guidance is also available on policy and good practice in volunteer recruitment and management.
To find out more or advertise your opportunities contact your local CVS here.