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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

Great North VCFSE Exchange: Next steps and shared learning

The first Great North VCFSE Exchange brought together voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) leaders from across the North to explore how relationships with comb...
Sector News

New briefing sets out how to embed the VCFSE sector in Neighbourhood Health

We have published a new briefing that sets out why the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector must be treated as a core partner in Neighbourhood Health.
Blog

Blog: The UK is rejoining Erasmus. What does this mean for the VCFSE sector?

Sector News

Alliance report highlights impact of VCFSE led urgent and emergency care winter support

A new evaluation report has highlighted the impact VCFSE organisations have had in supporting urgent and emergency care services during winter 2024 to 2025 Lancashire and South Cum...
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Recent publications

VSNW Strategic Plan 2025-2030

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VSNW Impact Review 2025

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Cheshire and Merseyside VCFSE Health and Care Transformation Programme Progress Report (July 2025)

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