Celebrating VCSE across West Yorkshire
Need to get out of the house more and spend time with positive, friendly people?
ACROSS WEST Yorkshire, the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector – or VCSE for short - is a key player in the local landscape.
According to a recent report by Durham University, there are 12,000 registered and unregistered organisations across the West Yorkshire region, employing 29,700 full time equivalent staff working 49 million hours each year.
The report entitled ‘The Structure, Dynamics and Impact of the VCSE Sector’ also found that approximately 121,000 West Yorkshire residents give an amazing 8.7 million hours as volunteers!
It’s no big surprise that I am a big supporter and advocate of the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector and I’m proud to contribute to these impressive statistics not only as a member of the VAC team but also as a volunteer in my own time.
Excitingly, this week has marked the first ever VCSE Power week - a new awareness week dedicated to the work, impact and people who make the VCSE sector what it is across West Yorkshire.
VCSE Power Week, which started on Monday, March 28 has been an online celebration of our wonderful sector.
Led by the West Yorkshire Health Care Partnership, VCSE Power Week has showcased the work of the VCSE sector across
West Yorkshire and its five boroughs: Calderdale,
Kirklees, Bradford, Leeds and Wakefield.
With a wide range of resources to explore including videos, podcasts, blogs, case studies and infographics, the week’s aim has been to champion the regional impact of the VCSE Sector and let people know what services are on their doorstep.
So, please go and have a browse, possibly getting in touch with the organisations directly.
The VCSE Power Week resources will stay online as a ‘living library’ and will be continually added to throughout the year via this weblink https://www. wypartnership.co.uk/vcsepower-showcase
Today’s VCSE Power Week theme is about the win of volunteering and here in Calderdale, there are so many ways to volunteer.
Giving time to others can be a powerful way to make the world around you a better place – whether that’s the planet, or a bit closer to home.
Volunteering is also great for your physical and mental health.
It’s helpful for building up your confidence, reducing loneliness and isolation and helping you feel just more connected to, well, everything!
Need to get out of the house more often and spend time with positive, friendly people?
Volunteering could give you that chance.
By supporting a local organisation or community group, you get a chance to try out new things and learn new skills in a safe and supportive place.
If you’d like to find out more about local volunteering opportunities, visit the VSI Alliance website https://www. vsialliance.org.uk/