VSNW is the regional voluntary sector network for the North West. Our purpose is to support a connected and influential voluntary and community sector (VCS).
Besides working for a well represented sector, current areas of work include co-ordinating VCS health and social care networking & policy and supporting increased VCS influence over the Localism policy agenda.
Latest updates on VSNW's work to support VCS and infrastructure groups to engage in the localism policy agenda, including:
An Introduction to Localism;
Localism Resources for groups: 'Getting the Localism Bill RIght: six questions for your MP' plus presentations, briefings and links; and a Focus on Equality
Through Regional Voices, VSNW is a strategic partner of the Department of Health. We support a number of large health-related networks and provide regular briefings, a specific health bulletin and Health News Updates.
Specialist areas of our work include: Personalisation; Social Value; Mental Health and Skills for Care.
Listen Value Invest is a region-wide campaign movement, which is led by VSNW.
Listen Value Invest aims to demonstrate the excellent work carried out by community and voluntary groups across the North West of England, delivering vital services, changing lives and transforming communities. Not only do we support people and communities, but we also deliver enormous economic benefits.
Online website dedicated to better understand the implications and opportunities for the voluntary and community sector of the Government's developing Big Society agenda
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The Improving Representation Project will support and motivate VCS organisations and their representatives in the North West of England to better influence policy-making. It will also work with regional statutory agencies to increase their confidence in the accountability of VCS representatives.
Read more: Improving Representation Project
Regional Voices, of which VSNW is a partner, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded funding from the Department of Health (Innovation, Excellence and Strategic Development Fund) to support voluntary and community sector influence on health and wellbeing boards
The Department for Business Innovation & Skills has published the findings of a research study on European Social Fund delivery with the aim of informing thinking around the next round of programmes
Healthwatch England was formed in April 2013 and is the independent consumer champion for health and social care in England. They have now published a list of local Healthwatch, including those for the North West
The Local Government Chronicle held a webinar to explore the essential elements to ensure local healthwatch organisations are effective in scrutinising local health services and provide a voice for communities. Regional Voices, of which VSNW are a part, are mentioned.
An analysis has been published by NAVCA of the 74 areas that received Transforming Local Infrastructure and provides a national perspective, and allows the sharing of information and ideas
