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

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. it has recently established the Office of the Third Sector in recognition of the increasingly important role the third sector plays in both society and the economy.

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 VCS Development Officer based at Ashford's Future.  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.

01233 330814. Email Simon.