Voluntary and Community Sector
In Ashford borough over 850 organisations deliver a broad range of
local services to all kinds of people. Voluntary and community
groups also provide many of our cultural, sport and leisure
opportunities. Most organisations are charities, some employ
specialists, but many are informal volunteer based groups.
Ashford’s strong voluntary sector plays a crucial role in our
quality of life and in strengthening the fabric of our local
communities.
The Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) provides a wide range
of activities and services including:
- Advice and support for vulnerable people
- Services for the disabled and older people
- Protecting and enhancing our environment and rural areas
- Sport and leisure activities
- Mediation and counselling
- Looking after heritage sites and museums
- Activities & services for children and young people
- Community groups and forums
- Faith groups
- Black and minority ethnic support
- Health & social care services
- Managing leisure & community facilities
Groups and Clubs Directory
Search our new Groups and Clubs Directory
for further information on voluntary and community organisations in
Ashford Borough.
The VCS can be split into 2
parts – front line organisations that provide services to the
public like say Age Concern and the Citizens Advice Bureau.
Supporting the front-line groups are umbrella or ‘infrastructure’
organisations.
In Ashford, there are three main infrastructure
organisations who work closely together:
- Community Action South East
Kent (CASE Kent formerly Mid
& SE Kent CVS)
advises on setting-up new groups, funding, training, and business
planning.
- Ashford &
District Volunteer Centre
provides information on volunteering opportunities for all,
placements and support and advice to organisations who use
volunteers.
- Ashford Community Network
(ACN)
is a 'family of networks’ bringing together key
voluntary organisations and community leaders from across
the borough.
Why is the VCS important?
The VCS in
Ashford borough provides over £150 million pounds worth
of services each year and more than 12 000 people (1 in 8)
volunteer at least once each month. The sector is a major employer
with over 3000 full and part time workers. Read more in
The Social &
Economic Value of the VCS - a research study by Habitus
Associates, March 2006.
The VCS or 'third sector'
is regarded by central Government as a key partner in the delivery
of better quality and more responsive public services. For
more information please visit the Cabinet
Office website.
How Ashford Borough Council is working with the VCS
Departments across the Council work closely with voluntary and
community organisations to deliver public services.
In 2006 Ashford Borough Council was awarded a national
commendation in the Municipal Journal 2006 Achievement Awards for
its best practice in working with the VCS and in particular,
Ashford Community Network.
Kim Harlow is the council’s Voluntary Sector
Manager based in Cultural & Project Services
01233 330413. Email Kim.
Simon Bannister is the Neighbourhood
Development Co-ordinator. Simon is funded by the Department
for Communities and Local Government to help local voluntary and
community organisations build their capacity to meet the needs
of Ashford's growing population. Simon ensures the critical
role of the VCS is represented in the policy and planning of
Ashford's Future
development and also co-ordinates Ashford Community Network
and Ashford International Association.
01233 330474. Email Simon.
This webpage was updated on
6/24/2010