Welcome to South West ForumThere are around 70,000 'third sector' organisations in the South West employing over 60,000 paid staff and 1.4 million volunteers.With 18,500 registered general charities the South West region has more charities per 1000 people than any other region. South West Forum is the region's voluntary sector network; a network of networks, our members support 16,000 front-line organisations. Established in 1999 by voluntary organisations seeking a voice at regional level, South West Forum is an independent charity. We're here to help - contact us. We need your participation and support: join us. Brand New!Two excellent new publications proudly demonstrating the value of South West voluntary and community action. |
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A Thriving and Vibrant Third Sector
The value of Infrastructure OrganisationsProduced by South West Forum and the South West Strategic Infrastructure Partnership, this publication demonstrates the breadth and range of services provided by third sector Infrastructure organisations and the essential contribution they make to the health and well being of people in our neighbourhoods.
Click here to download the full report. (1.2MB PDF)
When it matters
Voluntary and Community Action in the South WestSix case studies showing how frontline voluntary and community organisations are responding to needs in a recession. Voluntary and community action: there when it matters.
Click here to download the full report. (620 KB PDF)
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Contracts, Cuts and Closures
An uncertain future for South West social purpose organisationsSouth West Forum Funding Survey 2008
Survey Results
- General uncertainty
- Commissioning processes unclear, timescales slipping
- Big Lottery and other major non-statutory funders remain dramatically oversubscribed
- Problem of short-term project funding
- Voluntary organisations under serious threat, redundancies and possible closure
- Inconsistent approach of public authorities to working in partnership with and funding for the sector
- Cuts in services having a direct impact on service users and beneficiaries
- Changes to EU, RDA and DEFRA funding for rural regeneration
Has VCS funding fallen?
For most respondents it has.Click here to download the full report (250KB PDF)
Community Crunch
During December 2008 South West Forum gathered evidence through its members of the impact of the current economic downturn on voluntary and community organisations and on their service users and beneficiaries.Our findings paint a worrying picture. While many voluntary and community organisations in the South West are experiencing increased demand for their services supporting people in need at the same time their very existence is threatened by loss of funding and uncertainty over their future. The ability of the voluntary and community sector to respond to the challenges presented by the economic downturn, for instance in terms of providing support, advice and training for people who are unemployed and/or in financial difficulty, is seriously compromised by a lack of secure funding.
Click here to download the full report (180KB PDF)
Following extended research, drafting and consultation, SWF's "manifesto" for the sector is complete. This document provides a clear statement of the most important actions required at regional level to ensure a vibrant, effective and independent voluntary and community sector in the South West.
Download Investing for Inclusion
Get in touch with South West ForumUnit 6, Cranmere Court Lustleigh Close Matford Business Park Exeter EX2 8PW Tel 01392 823758 Fax 01392 823033 Email admin@southwestforum.org.uk Directions: link to map, nearest major train station is Exeter St Davids. Download directions (30KB MS Word document) South West Forum is a registered charity, no. 1102082 and a Company Limited by Guarantee, no. 4978095. |
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