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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

BRIDGE Research Network: A new way of working together

We’re excited to share the launch of the BRIDGE Research Network – a new, free to access online platform that brings together the voluntary, community, faith and social enterpr...
Sector News

Celebrating Network for Europe’s legacy – apply now for a £500 grant

Network for Europe has supported the VCFSE sector across the North West for almost 40 years. As the organisation winds down, its final legacy is a one-off £500 grant, delivered in...
Sector News

The VSNW awards are back!

We’re pleased to announce the return of the VSNW Funding & Commissioning Awards 2025, shining a light once again on the commissioners and funders who go the extra mile to sup...
Sector News

New Civil Society Covenant recognises collaborative efforts of Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester’s collaborative efforts as a partnership working to improve outcomes for our citizens and communities has been recognised in the UK Government’s new Civil So...
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Recent publications

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

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Cheshire and Merseyside REN Impact Report 2023/24

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Towards a Social Value Economy

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