GM VCSE Accord £60,000 ecosystem support fund update
As part of Greater Manchester VCSE Accord, the Greater Manchester VCSE Leadership Group, the GMCA and NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care, allocated an investment pot aimed at building a sustainable VCSE ecosystem across Greater Manchester. The aim of the fund was to help meet commitment 5 of the Accord ‘we will build on our existing strengths to build the best VCSE ecosystem in England’. The fund was part of the wider investment to support the delivery of the Accord; it totalled £60,000 and bids were received by the deadline on 6 December. Proposals asking for between £10,000 and £20,000, that at minimum met commitment 5, but that also worked to deliver one or more of the other Accord Commitments were welcomed. After a panel of VCSE representatives reviewed the applications, three projects were chosen for funding. The three projects are,
- ‘Development of Interfaith Networks within the GM Boroughs’ led by the GM Faith & Belief Advisory Panel which will strengthen the contribution of the faith sector through researching their current status, effectiveness, development potential and case for increased support to maximise their impact.
- ‘Greater Manchester VCSE Anti-Poverty Forum’ led by Greater Manchester Poverty Action which aims to build on anti-poverty work in Greater Manchester by provide a space to organise anti-poverty policy, influencing and strategy.
- ‘Greater Manchester VCSE Leadership Group Locality Leadership Consolidation’ led by GM Mental Health Leaders Group which will strengthen and embed co-designed mechanisms at locality and Mental Health Trust levels.
The projects will undertake work to build a strong VCSE ecosystem in Greater Manchester, enhancing the work that the VCSE sector does across the city region.
“This grant will help us to identify ways of bringing the faith communities and voluntary and statutory sectors together in each borough and across GM to ensure and maximise the effectiveness of working together for the benefit of everyone".
Warren Elf, Panel Co-Chair, GM Faith & Belief Advisory Panel
“GMPA are delighted to receive a grant from VSNW to help build a sustainable VCSE ecosystem across Greater Manchester. The funding will strengthen existing anti-poverty activity in Greater Manchester by creating a space that builds on the current strength of VCSE organisations from across the city-region to organise anti-poverty strategic and policy development and influencing. The work will complement existing activities, creating a powerful VCSE sector voice and will be integral in shaping Greater Manchester’s response to poverty.”
Graham Whitham, Chief Executive Officer, GMPA
“This grant will make such an important difference to the work of the GM VCSE MH Leaders Group. There are so many changes in the health and social care system at the moment, and we need to seize the opportunities and make sure that the critical work of the VCSE continues to improve the lives of individuals and families across Greater Manchester in these increasingly difficult times.”
Simone Spray, Chair of GM Mental Health Leaders Group
