Volunteer group puts experience to good use

Anewgroupisbeinglaunched in Sunderland in a bid to build on the outstanding contribution made by the city's voluntary and community sector during the pandemic.

The Sunderland Voluntary Sector Alliance aims to help it to influence how services are delivered in the city, as well as enable the voluntary sector to grow – supporting voluntary and community groups and working with residents and communities.

Cllr Linda Williams, Sunderland City Council's cabinet member for vibrant city, said: "The voluntary sector played aninvaluableroleinhelpingus provide support to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities throughout the pandemic.

"This has included everything from volunteers collecting shopping and prescriptions, and weekly keep in touch calls to virtual coffee mornings and families taking part in virtual fitness sessions from the safety of their own homes.

"Thefacilities,servicesand knowledgeofthecommunities theyworkwithmeansthatthey have a vital role to play in our communities.

"The Voluntary Sector Allianceisdesignedtobuildonthis tremendous work, by improving support for the sector and expanding their role.

"It will also play a crucial role in helping us make sure we are meeting the needs of our communities by shaping services and activities to meet their needs.”

The alliance has been driven by the Area Voluntary and Community Sector Networks and, while it is being initially funded by Sunderland City Council, Sunderland Clinical Commissioning Group and housing group Gentoo, it is hopedthatmoreofthecity'sinstitutions will come on board.