Doing Better Together: a Manifesto for the VCS in Yorkshire and the Humber
In consultation with its members and voluntary and community sector colleagues, Involve Yorkshire & Humber has published the following manifesto to ask prospective parliamentary candidates to support the work of the voluntary and community sector in the lead up to the 2015 general election. Click on the link below to download the manifesto:
Download 'Doing Better Together: a Manifesto for the Voluntary and Community Sector in Yorkshire and Humber' (2015)
Update on the 2015 Manifesto campaign
In March and April 2015, Involve asked colleagues across the Yorkshire and Humber voluntary and community sector (VCS) to pledge their support for the 'Doing Better Together' manifesto and tell us why they thought that supporting the VCS was important.
In total, 110 organisations pledged their support. Thank you to everyone who responded. The reasons given are listed below.
Backed by the sector and their plegdes of support, we sent a copy of the manifesto out to all the prospective parliamentary candidates in Yorkshire and Humber in April 2015. This is to ensure that all the candidates are aware of the strength of the VCS in our region, the breadth of what we do, and what we hope to see from our MPs after the election.
After the election, when the elected MPs have been confirmed, we will follow up with them individually and ask what they pledge to do to support voluntary sector organisations, both in their local area, and in putting forward our voice nationally in parliament.
We will keep posting updates on the campaign here.
Still not pledged your support? Click here to pledge your support for the manifesto
Supporters
The following organistaions and individuals pledged their support for the 2015 Yorkshire and Humber VCS manifesto:
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Thank you!
Thank you to everyone who pledged their support. Here are just some of the reasons you gave for why you are supporting the voluntary sector manifesto campaign:
- I believe that 'Doing Better Together' is a clear statement of why and how a Government should support the Voluntary & Community Sector in Yorkshire and the Humber to ensure that the sector's 'reach' to the most vulnerable people in society allows it to play a full part in all the current and emerging health & social care agendas.
- Because the VCS is unique - it can reach people and communities that other services can't. But it needs active, real support from local and national government and health organisations to make this happen.
- It is important to recognise the valuable contribution of the voluntary and community sector across Yorkshire and Humber.
- Because as VCS organisations we work face-to-face with people and understand the needs of local communities and how to improve the lives of those that live in them.
- The voluntary sector needs a strong voice and to present a united and coherent front to Government.
- An individual can do good things, but a community can do great things.
- The Voluntary and Community Sector in the region, led by Involve Yorkshire and Humber, makes a real difference with very little resource. Government investment in the organisation will undoubtedly bring major benefits to an area of real need.
- Because local community groups are wired in to their local networks and communities. They know their communities and what's needed to address issues affecting their communities. Above all they are not controlled by the need to produce a profit for their shareholders. Surpluses generated invariably go back in to their communities and the multiplier effect of these activities helps generate and regenerate those communities.
- Together we are better - we need to be able to continue to offer the excellent services currently being delivered in the region.
- Any action that re-inforces the need for better co-operation between Voluntary and Community organisations is very worthwhile.
- People coming together to solve their own problems and lead on their own areas..
- It is vital to help support a sustainable VCSE which can compete on a level playing field with other sectors.
- To recognise the valuable work being done by Voluntary and community organisations
- together we are stronger
- To campaign and raise awareness of the vital role the voluntary and community sector play in everyone's future
- Because we believe that we are 'doing better together'; because we know the huge positive impact the voluntary and community sector has on individual lives and how, by working together, we help communities. We continue to do this - often with reducing funds and increasing costs. The Voluntary and Community Sector delivers value for money and we need to be recognised as a force for positive change - and funded accordingly.
- We want a better deal for the voluntary sector which would better reflect our size and reach.
- In these financially strained times it is essential that we work together to enable the voluntary sector to continue to thrive.
- For their valuable and supportive coordinating role.
- Stronger voice highlighting our contributions to the region
- I fully believe that working together can make a big difference in our communities
- A manifesto is a chance to make a collective rallying cry. The VCS is creative, flexible and entrepreneurial. By working with and investing in us, government can help make the region a better place.
- We believe that together we can offer better support, we have to show the way by working together as one VCS.
- in a time when financial backing from local and national government is diminishing, it is essential that we have partnerships that support the voluntary sector to continue providing community services in whichever way is possible. Please help us to support our rural communities.
- because we have strength in fellowship
- We are an infrastructure organisation and understand the struggles faced by VCS organisations but also the resourcefulness, resilience, dedication and value that VCS organisations bring to the region.
- Because of the principles that we need to work together at grass roots to build stronger communities
- In the current climate, there is a growing need to work together, support each other and develop sustainable and robust partnerships
- Unity is Strength
- as it says 'better together'
- Strength is found in collaborative effort.
- Because the voluntary and community sector plays so important a role in enriching our lives - we need the support of MPs and public bodies to do even better.
- Because we need to ensure that we work together to ensure the delivery of appropriate and relevant services to communities at a grass roots level.
- No political party can realise its ambitions for improving health and wellbeing without the full participation of the VCS
- We have to work in a networked approach, together for a bigger voice
- We all need to work together to build a better future for everyone
- Working together more closely has to result in a better coordinated approach to our common beneficiaries
- working together in the community is more likely to work better then alone supporting each other in their different areas of work
- Very important to ensure that candidates are aware of the role, influence and impact of the voluntary and community sector and the millions of people active within it!
- It is important that the voluntary sector collective "voice" is heard.
- It is important that the value the VCS can bring to the future health and well being of society is acknowledged and harnessed. We have a major role to play in the future of communities and their sustainability.
- There is great strength in the VCS in the region and we have a lot to offer by working together efficiently and effectively.
- I think a collective approach is the way forward and it's a good concise document, very usuable . Not sure about how good black writing is on blue background for partially sighted people, could you check this out, thank you.
- Because it makes sense to work together to support our communities
- The impact the VCS has in communities is often understated. The manifesto provides a voice for the VCS across Yorkshire and the Humber. For communities to continue to develop and grow more resilient with the support of the VCS, this voice needs to be listened to.
- More help and support needs to be given to help voluntary organisations to continue their valuable work. The current ad hoc funding does nothing to help the stability of organisations.
- To support the vital work undertaken by the VCS in communities in our region. Strength in numbers. Support to Involve.
- Logical and positive move. 3rd sector is important and needs support
- I was involved in the Transforming Local Infrastructure Project for North Yorkshire and appreciate the value of this Sector in supporting Front line delivery of health & social care services.
- As a member of a society that tries to make the future a brighter place, be it within our own local community, support all those that endeavour to do likewise anywhere.
- Attending events / training provides the opportunity to network, share expertise, experience and skills with people / organisations with similar outlooks.
- It is important to give our support and work together to show how important voluntary and community organisations are to this region.
- I work with small outreach groups, helping them apply for funding to run needy projects in poor areas of South Leeds and therefore understand the value of the work carried out by volunteers.
- VCS organisations often bridge the gaps for the statutory sector, taking on more and more for less and less. unless more investment is provided for early and preventative services, we will continue to see a decline in peoples health and wellbeing to increased pressure on our NHS and LA
- Many community based services and facilities will be lost without the work and support of volunteers
- I believe that the CVS makes a significant contribution to our Common Life. In addition to the work individual organisations make, we are committed to collaboration for greater efficacy. We want to achieve even more in the future.
- Strength in numbers - more vocal - more visible - Together we can make a difference
- This is the only way to really achieve outcomes and would give excellent value for money, plus a really joined up approach for service users and those most isolated in our communities.
- The voluntary sector plays an important part in the life of the community, often forming the backbone of a cohesive society and adding value to people's lives whether they are service users, volunteers or workers who want more than just 'to pay the rent'. You can hand over everything to private business, and unsupported community groups, but don't be surprised at the fallout.
- I believe the sector will be stronger with the backing of Government. To survive and thrive the sector deserves recognition for what it does. No one is better on their own.
- If we are to have a genuine Big Society then the Voluntary & Community Sector has a major role to play, and to do that it needs real political support and an effective funding regime.
- Our partnership has, over the last 10 years, brought over £11million into the region to strengthen the local economy. However, we ourselves, need a small amount of support that is hard to find (admin/ secretarial support). So we have achieved this with little or no support. Imagine what we could achieve if we did have support - roughly the equivalent of two week's work per year.
- Without the VCS who is going to pick up the pieces from this government's 'slash and burn' approach to public services?
- Joining our voices together will enable individual voluntary sector organisations in our region to be heard.
- To draw attention to the positive role of the third/ VCS sector, to highlight its role in potential cross- sector partnerships and its value base in addressing the needs of local economies, communities and families. We are a charity and social enterprise that seeks to highlight and promote the role of VCS centres involved in learning and training. They are addressing the needs of many who have had a poor experience of the education system or trying to access and progress in it.
- because the VCS is doing vital work with communities and individuals badly affected by the cuts to public services, with very little recognition by politicians, some of whom seem keener than ever to attack charities who speak up for their beneficiaries
- Because we have direct experience of partnership working with other groups and organisations in York and it is always better together. We need more support for the work voluntary sector organisations do, and in fact they should not be always relying on volunteers.
- seeing people affected by loneliness and lack of support
- Connected diverse communities Everyone counts and is accountable for peaceful secure livelihoods and quality life Justice and respect of human dignity Elderly and children valued with respect as pillars of the nations Improved health and education; wherein children are edcated for life, self reliance, and sustenance Upholding national values with responsibility and empathy
- sharing resources and ideas contributes to healthier communities that can make a difference
- Local authorities and the police do not have the time to keep the community fully informed about what the are doing to protect communities and reduce the fear of crime. It needs to change.
- Small community groups need support from government and local authorities if they are to achieve their aims
- By supporting VCS in Yorkshire and Humber you can support our communities to become stronger and stay safer
- As a small training provider working with those excluded from mainstream vocational training opportunities, we're often frustrated by obstacles in the way of service commissioning and the lack of acknowledgment of our vulnerability as a small business. The manifesto call for a more co-operative approach between government and the VCS is just what we want to see.
- Growing poverty in our communities has increased demand on charities like ours from families in need. Politicians must commit to supporting local charities and helping us to secure the resources we need to help local people.
- Recognition and serious political support for the social and economic contribution is long overdue -this Manifesto shows the way for the next Government
- We believe in the VCS and their role in sustainable healthcare, in delivery of the NHS England 5YFV and our model of Patient Education
- We need to be smarter in response to the demands for cutting costs to which are all being subjected; working in partnership is our best option.
- A collective voice is needed to influence new audiences.
- Because working together, and that includes local councillors, is the only way forward
- INVOLVE continues to do the right think in a climate of political dogma that is eroding civil structures.
- It promotes the importance of having a healthy and vibrant sector at a time when it is most needed.
- Because only about 8% of our potential clients work or volunteer but 66% want to
- United we stand!
- This allows local community to work with partners to access needs and information within the region to give the service needed. We must sustain this service within local areas.
- because all committed supporters - organisations and individuals - both deserve and need to be heard
- Community groups have significant social impact across Yorkshire and the Humber
- It is important that the Voluntary and Community Sector is recognised fully for the work it does within the communities of Yorkshire and Humber.
- it is important to show that VCS is a real partner of the Government in delivering services to the local communities. Dr Mohammed Salam, C Ex COEMO
- For too long the VCS has been seen as less than equal. Without us the whole of the economy would quickly grind to a halt. We provide an absolutely crucial service but treated like second class.It is time we got the recognition we deserve.
- The Manifesto contains a set of sensible, practical ideas to facilitate the sector to achieve even more wonderful things!
