NAVCA member celebrates 10 years of supporting their community

We know that our members do an amazing job of supporting the voluntary and community sector in their local area - but don't just take our word for it! Watch this video to hear from local charities and community groups in Arun and Chichester who have been supported by VAAC, then read all about the great work VAAC do.

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Voluntary Action Arun & Chichester (VAAC) are celebrating their 10th birthday this year, and to celebrate they have been hearing from some of their members about the impact that they have made on those organisations, and the wider community.

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Their celebratory video, which was launched at VAAC’s recent AGM, includes testimonies from some of VAAC’s 449 members, who represent charities, community groups and Social Enterprises delivering services across Arun and Chichester. The video shows the organisations talking about the support that they have received from VAAC and the difference it has made.

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Jenny Garthwright, VAAC Digital Content and Communications Officer, says; “It was great fun creating this video and we’re really grateful to our members who took part. It’s lovely to hear from them about the work that they do in the local community and how the support that they receive from VAAC helps them to do that. It really helps to demonstrate the important role of infrastructure organisations such as VAAC, which sit at the heart of our communities, helping local charities and groups to thrive.”

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VAAC was formed in 2012 when Voluntary and Community Action Chichester & District and CVS-Arunwide merged, and they have supported many of their members throughout the whole 10 years, including some of the ones featured in the video. Other members have joined more recently, such as Chichester Pride, who received help from VAAC to set up the organisation and make sure that they had all the correct documents and procedures in place.

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Other support offered includes fundraising support (both with identifying appropriate grants, and advice on filling in the applications), governance advice, help with volunteer recruitment, marketing guidance, and regular Fundraiser Network, Volunteer Co-ordinator Network, and General Networking events where members can come together to share advice and best practice, discuss any issues or concerns, and learn what else is happening in the local area.

Sharon Westcott, Office & Communication Manager, has been with VAAC since it was formed and says; “Working for VAAC provides the opportunity to see and hear what goes on in our community, and the wonderful work that is being carried out by so many of our charities, organisations and the volunteers who give their time. By giving support and advice we are able to share their journeys as they grow and develop and it makes you feel proud to be part of it.”

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Creating their celebration video was a wonderful opportunity for VAAC to hear about the impact of their work, and the difference that they make. It will also enable them to further promote the work of their members through the video footage that they now have, and provides another tool for demonstrating the incredible work that the local voluntary sector does.

VAAC would also like to say thank you to the following VAAC members for taking part in this exciting project: Tuppenny Barn, Chichester Cathedral, Chichester Pride, Sussex Coast Talking News, Rustington Platinum Social Club, Bognor Regis Shopmobility, Cancer United, Lifecentre, Think 18 and UKHarvest.