September 2024

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Voluntary Sector Network Update

‘Together for healthier communities’

Consortia Case Studies

With thanks to two of our members we have compiled resources to help anyone wanting to work with other organisations form a consortium.

Fullscope, the consortium of organisations working with children and young people at risk of poor mental health, has been established for some years now. Their experiences offer valuable insight for all of us. Beth Green, CEO of Centre 33 said:

‘By working together with partners we are creating a system that fully supports young people, ensures there are no gaps, and enables them to thrive.’

Case study: Forming a consortium – Fullscope – Support Cambridgeshire

One of the partners of the Voluntary Sector Alliance is Age UK and their Deputy CEO, Lynette Hurren said:

‘Partnership work has many benefits. As well as improved outcomes for people, we have enjoyed learning from other organisations and feeling part of a bigger team of people who have fast become friends.’

Case study: Forming a consortium – Voluntary Sector Alliance – Support Cambridgeshire

If you would like advice and support in developing a consortium please contact your CVS.

Strategy Review

At our September meeting we will be launching the consultation on the VSN strategic review. VSN members will have already received an invitation to an online listening event where we will be presenting the review findings and plans for the next three years. If you haven’t received your invite and would like to attend please contact Debbie. There

will be a second event in October which will also be open to partners, as well as a short survey to gather feedback. As many of the actions are owned by the ICB, we will also be seeking approval from them. Our aim is to launch the new plan in the new year.

Data Workshop

VSN members will have received an invitation to a workshop to learn more about the data catalogue. Michael will lead the session from Cambridge CAB and he will explain how the catalogue will work and the benefits of adding your data. Again, contact Debbie if you would like to join and haven’t received the invite.

Health and Wellbeing Network

The next Health and Wellbeing session will be on 19th September 12-1.15pm on Zoom. The topic this month is the Community Pharmacy Offer with supporting advice and information from the NHS business authority, including available support for prescription costs. Click here to book a place.

Been on an ICB training course?

If so, we would love your feedback. It’s great to see so many ICB training opportunities being offered to our members and the wider VCSE sector. And even better that these are being taken up. To make sure we keep these coming the ICB needs to know that there is value for us and for them. A short email to Debbie or Sandie saying what you took from the course would be much appreciated.

Voluntary Sector Network meetings

The September meeting will be focussing on workforce, as well as launching the strategy consultation.

Further information

You can find our strategy ‘Working Together for a Better Future’, notes from previous Voluntary Sector Network meetings and newsletters on our webpage here.