Our work

VSNW operates across the five sub-regions of the North West: Cheshire and Merseyside, Liverpool City Region, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and Cumbria – working closely with voluntary sector organisations, equalities networks, and public sector partners.

We tailor our work to each region, ensuring voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations have a strong voice in shaping policy, securing investment, and driving change. As a network of networks, we facilitate connections, amplify voices, and support partnerships, helping grassroots groups, equalities organisations, and larger providers influence decisions and strengthen the sector.

In some areas, we take on a leadership role, such as coordinating key partnerships; in others, we provide behind-the-scenes support, acting as a secretariat, helping to shape devolution plans, and ensuring voluntary sector priorities are recognised. From health and social care to economic development and fair funding initiatives, VSNW works to pilot new delivery models, advocate for investment, and champion the role of the sector in building stronger communities.

Each sub-region has its own identity, challenges, and ways of working, and we co-design our approach in partnership with local organisations. Our work is entirely bottom-up, not top-down, we listen, support, and create space for the voluntary sector to lead. Whether it’s helping secure millions in funding, enabling stronger collaboration with public agencies, or ensuring community groups have a say in regional decision-making, VSNW is here to make sure the sector’s impact is recognised and valued across the North West.