Voluntary sector grows in confidence

THE voluntary sector in Warrington is more “confident and assertive” than ever – and continues to grow.
That’s the message from “umbrella” organisation Warrington Council for Voluntary Services (CVS) which in the past year increased its membership from 180 to 220 organisations.
The organisation, based at the Gateway in Sankey Street, provides help to local voluntary and community groups.
In his annual report chairman Rev Stephen Kingsnorth says: “The voluntary sector itself is more confident and assertive than in the past, and the crucial significance of its value is better recognised and appreciated than in recent years.
“Along with the community sector we are playing, and will continue to play, a vital part as Neighbourhood Management develops across the town.”
During the past year the CVS has also organised two conferences, offered funding advice to organisations and produced four editions of its magazine Contact.
Representatives from the organisation attended meetings of 40 networks and partnerships during the year, supported organisations with topics ranging from accessing funding to assisting with policies.
During the year more than 100 people attended training events organised through the Training Project, including IT, trustee training and first aid.
Rev Kingsnorth adds: “CVS’s project work continues along fruitful paths, producing widespread community benefit, despite sometimes desperate funding shortfalls which threaten the stability of individual pieces of work and which is very tough on staff facing an uncertain future.”