The Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) in County Durham is widespread and diverse. It works to improve the lives of people in the county and support their communities. Much of this activity is undertaken in partnership with public sector organisations.
Better Together VCS Forum
The Better Together VCS Forum brings together senior representatives of larger or specialist VCS organisations with a countywide remit to share best practice and look for new opportunities to collaborate. It is chaired by the VCS representative on the County Durham Partnership Board.
You can find further information on the forum meetings on the Durham Community Action website: Better Together VCS Forum.
VCS infrastructure support
Support for VCS organisations is available from a variety of sources. Funding has been allocated to Durham Community Action for the provision of a volunteering infrastructure for the county; capacity building and community development for frontline community groups; and strategic development on behalf of the sector.
Information sharing
Regular Durham Community Action news items provide relevant information for VCS organisations. You can also sign up to their monthly ebulletin Durham Community News.
Advice in County Durham is a partnership of local advice providers, committed to working together to improve the provision of advice across County Durham. Regular ebulletins are issued with a wide range of information, training, activities, events and consultations. To sign up email: enquiries@adviceincountydurham.org.
County Durham Volunteering
Volunteering can help to develop your skills, improve your quality of life, allow others to benefit from your skills and provide an opportunity for you to improve your community. For more information about volunteering for all ages in County Durham contact Durham Community Action who provide a one stop shop for volunteering. You can search for volunteering opportunities or organisations, learn more about volunteering, or find out about events and meetings in County Durham for volunteers at County Durham Volunteering.
Watch our video which tells you a bit more about the types of opportunities available:
Voluntary Community Sector in Durham Video Transcript PDF