The Empowering Communities partnership has made significant strides in bolstering the voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector in Norfolk. From April to June 2024, the efforts of the various partners (Voluntary Norfolk, CAN, NCAN, Norfolk Community Foundation and FUSE Norwich) have led to remarkable achievements, demonstrating how we have been able to work together to help build a thriving VCSE sector.

Engagement

One of the standout accomplishments of this period is the engagement with 274 organisations. This extensive network highlights the partnership’s reach and influence, enabling a broad array of groups to benefit from shared resources and collaborative opportunities. This engagement is crucial for creating a cohesive community where information and support can flow freely among organisations.

“Padlet” views

Another notable success is the increase in “padlet views.” The padlet serves as a dynamic resource hub, providing vital information and advice tailored to the needs of VCSE groups. The surge in views indicates that more organisations are accessing and benefiting from the insights and guidance offered, which can help them navigate challenges and seize opportunities more effectively.

Events

Empowering Communities also hosted 11 events during this quarter, attracting 139 representatives from 111 different organisations. The feedback from these events has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants rating the overall experience at 4.5 out of 5, and the usefulness of the events at 4.3 out of 5. These ratings reflect the high quality and relevance of the events, which have evidently provided valuable knowledge and networking opportunities to attendees.

Monthly mailing

The monthly newsletter remains a vital communication tool, with a 48% open rate, significantly higher than the average for non-profit organisations. This indicates a high level of engagement and interest from the community, ensuring that important updates and information are effectively disseminated.

Support getting volunteers

Voluntary Norfolk’s Get InVOLved volunteering platform continues to thrive, playing a pivotal role in connecting volunteers with VCSE groups across the county. Over the last three months, 728 new volunteers have registered on the platform, while 38 new organisations have listed their opportunities. This robust activity not only underscores the platform’s utility but also highlights the vibrant volunteering culture within Norfolk.

Going forward

These successes from April to June 2024 illustrate the impactful work of the Empowering Communities partnership in Norfolk. By engaging with a broad spectrum of organisations, enhancing resource accessibility, hosting valuable events, and supporting volunteering generally, we are making significant strides in strengthening the VCSE sector. As we continue to worth together to build on these achievements, the partnership is well-positioned to drive further growth and innovation within the sector. We look forward to continuing our work providing support for Norfolk’s VCSE sector.