The voluntary sector bridges the gap in public and private services available to the local community.

Often volunteer-led organisations such as charities and grassroots groups are dedicated to social good.

As the centre for voluntary services for North Hertfordshire and Stevenage we champion voluntary and community groups focusing on social issues and wellbeing, as well as faith groups providing social support, and social enterprises who reinvest profits to meet societal or environmental goals.

Voluntary groups address local needs and foster a sense of community in the face of adversity, such as The Living Room Hertfordshire who provide free group therapy for adults living with addiction.

As well as mental health support, organisations such as Citizens Advice Stevenage help with housing and other situational challenges issues such as debt, benefits and discrimination.

And groups such as Feed Up Warm Up provide food and friendship to those in need.

As well as addressing bridging gaps in public services, voluntary organisations promote inclusion and the impact of togetherness; with local people coming together to help other local people.

Often quicker to respond to crisis when compared to larger organisations, these groups can also be a source of local economic development; creating jobs, skill development and providing local investment opportunities.

A sector where funding is a challenge at the best of times, testing economic periods create even more obstacles for the VCFSE sector.

As funding opportunities become rarer, competition between groups applying for grants becomes greater, and the good work delivered by these groups are negatively affected.

It’s often in these tough economic times when the services provided by the VCFSE sector is most needed, extra demand put on group leaders and volunteers can lead to burnout if not supported adequately.

If you’re a resident with an enthusiasm for social change, the voluntary sector needs you. Visit govolherts.org.uk to find local organisations looking for volunteer.

Alternatively if you have an idea to meet the needs of a local cause, email us on info@nhcvs.org.uk - we’ll help with your next steps.

Finally the VCFSE sector benefits greatly from partnerships and collaboration with local business.

If you’re able to lend your skills or resource to a local voluntary group we’d love to hear from you. Email info@nhcvs.org.uk.

As the centre for volunteering services for North Herts and Stevenage, we equip community groups, charities & volunteers with the knowledge to thrive.

Learn more about how we help organisations reach their potential at www.nhcvs.org.uk.