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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

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...
VSNW News

Catch up on the first Big Local North West Learning event

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the first event in the Big Local North West Learning Programme. The session brought together people from across the region to explore the le...
VSNW News

New North West VCFSE Commissioning Review Panel launched – call for sector submissions

Submissions are now open for our new North West VCFSE Commissioning Review Panel, aimed at driving improvements in commissioning and procurement of the voluntary, community, f...
Case studies

Advice on Prescription – turning advice into a health intervention

This is the first in a series of case studies from the Cheshire and Merseyside VCFSE Health and Care Transformation Programme, showcasing how VCFSE organisations are supporting nei...
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