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Connecting, empowering and championing the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector to shape a brighter future for the North West

At Voluntary Sector North West (VSNW), we are proud to be the driving force behind collaboration, advocacy, and innovation for charities, community groups, and social enterprises across the North West.

Our mission is simple yet powerful: to empower the voluntary, community, and social impact sector to shape a better future for the region. Through strong partnerships, we bring people and organisations together, amplify their voices, and ensure they have the tools and support to thrive.

As the first regional infrastructure organisation of its kind in England, VSNW plays a unique role. We connect with over 50,000 organisations across the North West—providing a platform for collaboration, campaigning for investment, and tackling inequalities to create stronger, healthier communities.

Working in partnership across the North West

  • Co-designing solutions with local voluntary organisations rather than imposing a single model.
  • Acting as a network of networks, bringing together grassroots groups, equalities organisations, and larger voluntary sector providers.
  • Supporting regional partnerships, sometimes leading initiatives, sometimes providing behind-the-scenes coordination.
  • Advocating for investment and policy influence, ensuring voluntary organisations are recognised in key decisions.
  • Facilitating collaboration between the voluntary sector and public agencies.
  • Piloting new delivery models in areas like health and social care, economic development, and fair funding.
Find out more about our work

Influencing change for the VCFSE sector

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Latest news

Sector News

Sector voices shape draft VCFSE and NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Memorandum of Understanding

A draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the VCFSE sector and NHS Cheshire and Merseyside has been developed following a place led engagement process. The engagement repor...
VSNW News

VCFSE and VSNW leaders appointed as inaugural Community Fellows at University of Lancashire

VCFSE leaders from across Lancashire, including VSNW’s Chief Executive Warren Escadale and Research and Policy Manager Laura Tilston, have been appointed as inaugural Community F...
Comment

From Greater Manchester to Downing Street: lessons from a decade of partnership with the VCFSE sector

Greater Manchester has become one of England’s leading examples of partnership working between public services and the VCFSE sector. As Andy Burnham moves to Downing Street, ...
Case studies

Every Breath Matters: A partnership led approach to improving lung health in Kirkby

This is the second in our series of case studies showcasing how VCFSE organisations are helping to shape neighbourhood health across Cheshire and Merseyside. This case study explor...
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Recent publications

Unlocking better care from hospital to home

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Our North

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North West VCFSE Manifestos

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