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Last week we hosted our largest VSNW Annual Conference and AGM to date. Colleagues from across the North West’s voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector came together to learn, reflect and celebrate the extraordinary work happening across our region. The atmosphere throughout the day was brilliant, and the feedback has already been overwhelmingly positive.
Debra Alcock Tyler delivered a powerful and deeply honest reflection on what it means to work in the VCFSE sector today. She reminded us that meaningful change rarely comes from above. Instead, it is driven by activism, persistence and collaboration – by people and organisations willing to challenge the status quo.
Debra spoke candidly about the pressures of funding, systemic constraints and the emotional load that many in the sector carry. She encouraged organisations to speak truth to power, question assumptions and confidently articulate the language of transformation. People donate to causes, not charities, she reminded us, and it is essential that we show the long-term impact of the work we do.
She also addressed burnout and the importance of self-care, emphasising that progress doesn’t happen overnight, but persistence works. Above all, she described the VCFSE sector as “purveyors of hope” – people who prove, every day, that better things are possible.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham delivered a bold and optimistic vision for how devolution can reshape the North West. He described a shift away from the traditional Westminster model, towards locally driven approaches to growth and public services that reflect the strengths and aspirations of local communities.
He highlighted the strong economic performance of Greater Manchester (GM) and the Liverpool City Region, with plans in GM to embed inclusive growth and community wealth building at the centre of future strategy. At the heart of this approach is a new, strengthened partnership with the VCFSE sector.
Burnham emphasised a move from short-term, project-based funding to sustainable core funding, recycling public spending through trusted community organisations. He reaffirmed that 50 per cent of Live Well funding will go directly to local VCFSE groups, supported by investment from the DWP, NHS and GMCA. This is part of a ten-year plan to build capacity, stability and trust at a grassroots level.
He called on the sector and statutory partners to work together to demonstrate that this model works, arguing that devolution gives regions the tools to back their people, reduce division and help build a fairer, more united country.
Our workshop speakers delivered insightful, practical and thought provoking sessions that were incredibly well received:
Each session brought new tools, new ideas and a renewed sense of what is possible when we work together as a sector.
We’re already building on the momentum from the conference with a series of upcoming events, including:
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended, supported or contributed to making this our most successful conference yet. The North West’s VCFSE sector continues to lead with compassion, creativity and conviction. Last week was a reminder of the power we have when we come together – and we look forward to everything that comes next. Thank you for being part of it.
