Voluntary Action Arun & Chichester
Voluntary Action Arun & Chichester
Our vision is to see a strong, vibrant voluntary and community sector that supports, inspires and empowers individuals and communities throughout Arun and Chichester.
We do this through 1-1 support and advice, training and networking events, helping groups to start-up and develop their work.
VAAC were honoured to be presented with an award recently from the High Sheriff of West Sussex, Dr Tim Fooks. Part of his High Sheriff Awards 2021, the award recognises the essential role that the organisation have played throughout the last year to support the local Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS), particularly around initiatives to tackle isolation and loneliness.
Hilda Sherwood, VAAC Chief Executive, said, “I am really delighted that VAAC as an infrastructure charity has been recognised for the work that we do in supporting the VCS in Arun and Chichester and it is our pleasure to receive this award. Our staff and trustees work hard in providing excellent information, advice and guidance to emerging and developing charities and community groups and I thank Dr Tim Fooks for his support to the VCS over this last year.”
Voluntary Action Arun & Chichester (VAAC) are inviting people from European, Black, Asian, Minority and Ethnic groups to share their experiences of living, working and accessing services and activities in Arun and Chichester. We want to know what issues are of most concern to you currently, as well as how you like to receive information about local news.
The short questionnaire will only take 10 minutes to complete, but the results will support projects, groups and local initiatives provided for and by the local community, as well as being used to inform and improve the way that services are provided, and information is communicated. The questionnaire is available in 14 languages.
Say thank you to your volunteers this Volunteers’ Week
(1st – 7th June)
Volunteers’ Week is coming up and this year the theme is ‘A Time to Say Thanks’. If you would like to say thank you to your volunteers, please send us your photos and/or messages of thanks and we will collate them for a special social media campaign over the week. Send anything you would like included to Jenny by Monday 17th May.
Local Authority Designated Officer–Awareness raising for members- W.Sussex
Online - via Microsoft Teams
10am - 11am
This session is suitable for anyone working or volunteering with children in West Sussex (not just designated safeguarding leads), as it is about raising the awareness of the role of the LADO and what to do if there is an allegation. This event will be run on Microsoft Teams and information will be sent to you before the event.
Zoom Volunteer Co-ordinators Meeting - Inclusivity and Diversity
Online - via Zoom
10am - 12.30pm
Encouraging Volunteer recruitment and retention that reflects our diverse communities, exploring the gaps, difficulties and opportunities in engaging potential volunteers. We invite organisations and members to share best practise, their challenges and plans for increasing equality and diversity. The Zoom link will be sent out to you one week before the meeting.
Fundraiser Network Meeting - Meet the Funder – Artswork
Online (via Zoom)
10.30am - 12pm
Come and hear from Beccy East of youth arts charity Artswork. She’ll discuss the project investment available via small grants through her Arun Inspires programme. This is a programme of cultural development for children and young people in Arun and in 2021 – 22 will be targeting support toward creative projects that improve cultural access for the District’s most disadvantaged children and young people to support their mental health. You’ll also have the chance to ask questions, chat with other fundraisers as usual and share your experiences and knowledge. This event is aimed at beginners to fundraising, small community groups, charities and CICs
